Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Convener of the National Peace Committee (NPC), has dismissed claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria, saying that genocide is defined by intent rather than the number of casualties.
Misconceptions About Christian Persecution
Bishop Kukah recently faced criticism after he reportedly advised the international community against labeling Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”
He argued that such a designation could increase tensions, foster suspicion, and provide opportunities for criminals to exploit the situation, ultimately undermining interfaith dialogue and cooperation with authorities.
Aligning with Catholic Leadership
While presenting a paper at the 46th Supreme Convention of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) in Kaduna, Bishop Kukah clarified that his stance aligns fully with the Vatican Secretary of State, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and other Catholic bishops across the country.
He questioned widely circulated figures, such as claims that 1,200 churches are burned in Nigeria annually.
“Interestingly, nobody approached the Catholic Church to get accurate data. All those talking about persecution—has anyone ever called to ask, ‘Bishop Kukah, what is the situation?’” he said.
Genocide and Intent
Addressing the use of the term “genocide,” the bishop stressed that it is not determined by the number of people killed.
“You can kill 10 million people and it still won’t amount to genocide. The critical determinant is intent—whether the aim is to eliminate a group of people,” he explained.
He urged a more careful and precise approach when discussing such sensitive issues.
Christians’ Position in Nigeria
Bishop Kukah also challenged claims that Christians are being persecuted, highlighting their strong presence in the country.
“At least 80% of educated Nigerians are Christians, and up to 85% of the Nigerian economy is controlled by Christians. With such figures, how can anyone say Christians are being persecuted?” he asked.
He attributed many of the challenges Christians face to internal disunity, adding:
“The main problem is that Christians succumb to bullies. The day we decide to stand together—believing that an injury to one is an injury to all—these things will stop.”
Clarifying Martyrdom Claims
The bishop cautioned against loose claims of martyrdom.
“Because someone is killed in a church, does that automatically make them a martyr? Whether you are killed while stealing someone’s yam or attacked by bandits, does that qualify as martyrdom? We must think more deeply,” he said.
He further clarified that his previous remarks were based on a 1,270-page study on genocide, emphasizing that it is inaccurate to claim there is genocide or widespread martyrdom in Nigeria.
“People say there is genocide in Nigeria. What I presented at the Vatican was a 1,270-page study on genocide in Nigeria and elsewhere. My argument is that it is not accurate to claim there is genocide or martyrdom in Nigeria,” he stated.