According to a report by Arise News on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, has expressed his opposition to the idea of classifying Nigeria as a “Country of Concern” by the United States government.
He cautioned that such a designation would worsen the country’s already delicate situation and make constructive dialogue between religious and political stakeholders more difficult.
Kukah made his remarks during the launch of the Church in Need (ACIN) 2025 World Report on Religious Freedom, where he addressed the complex realities surrounding religious violence in Nigeria.
He acknowledged that the killings of Christians in various parts of the country are a serious issue but maintained that the violence in Nigeria affects everyone, regardless of religion.
According to him, the bloodshed has no boundaries as both Christians and Muslims have been victims of insecurity.
The bishop attributed much of the crisis to the weakness of the Nigerian state, which he said deteriorated under the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari.
He explained that while terrorists used weapons to spread fear, the government’s failure to uphold justice and inclusion worsened the situation through policies that deepened division.
Kukah pointed out that violent groups have operated freely in Nigeria for more than 15 years, spreading across the northern region and beyond.
These armed gangs have terrorized communities, burned villages, and displaced thousands of residents from their ancestral homes.
He lamented that the destruction of farmlands and the displacement of families have crippled local economies and left many regions deserted.
The continued attacks, he said, have destroyed the social and economic fabric of several states, especially in the Middle Belt.
The bishop also emphasized that banditry has become a national crisis, contributing significantly to internal displacement.
He said thousands of communities have been attacked and that the scale of suffering continues to grow due to the lack of a coordinated response.
He noted that what began as religiously motivated violence has expanded into a wave of lawlessness affecting everyone, regardless of faith or ethnicity.
While recounting personal experiences, Kukah highlighted examples of unity and friendship across religious lines.
He mentioned receiving support from Muslim friends and noted the positive relationship between Christian and Muslim leaders in Sokoto.
The bishop stressed that despite Nigeria’s challenges, the country still has stories of cooperation and mutual respect that deserve to be recognized.
He urged that such positive relationships should guide efforts toward peace and national reconciliation rather than actions that could deepen divisions.
He said, “ I received the gift of a new Prado Jeep from a Muslim friend of mine who said to me, Bishop; This is my gift to you for your pastoral work in your vast Diocese! On the 30th of September this year, the Sultan himself was physically in the premises of our Secretariat where we commissioned an ICT facility with almost 300 computers for youth and children. This is not to say that there are no problems, but our daily lives should be defined by a better narrative.” See, More, Here>>>
Explore More News By Using The Button Above.