THIS DAWN — Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Convener of the National Peace Committee, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has again dismissed widespread claims that Nigeria is experiencing a “Christian genocide”.
Bishop Kukah insisted that the alarming casualty figures circulating online are neither verified nor supported by credible evidence.
Speaking on Saturday at the 46th Supreme Convention of the Knights of St. Mulumba in Kaduna, Bishop Kukah debunked the narrative.
He said the concept of a targeted extermination of Christians in Nigeria has been exaggerated and is often pushed without proper investigation.
According to him, many of the figures being quoted—including claims that over 1,200 churches are burnt annually—are completely unsubstantiated.
“They are saying that 1,200 churches are burnt in Nigeria every year, and I ask myself, in which Nigeria?
“Interestingly, nobody approached the Catholic Church to get accurate data.
“We do not know where these figures came from,” Kukah said.
“Bishop Kukah, what is the situation?”
The bishop stressed that the Catholic Church, which maintains extensive structures, parishes, and diocesan records across the country, has never been contacted by any of those pushing the genocide narrative.
“All those talking about persecution, has anyone ever called to ask, ‘Bishop Kukah, what is the situation?’”
“The data being circulated cleverly avoids the Catholic Church because they know Catholics do not indulge in hearsay,” he added.
Kukah emphasised that his position is not personal but reflects the consensus within the global and national Catholic hierarchy.
He noted that the Vatican Secretary of State, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and all Catholic bishops in the country are in unison.
They share the view that the situation in Nigeria does not meet the formal definition or threshold for genocide, he claimed.
He explained that genocide is not defined by the number of deaths alone but by intent—particularly the deliberate attempt by an actor to annihilate a specific ethnic or religious group.
“Genocide rests on intent, not casualty figures,” he said.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s serious security challenges—including terrorism, banditry, and intercommunal violence.
Kukah warned against amplifying misleading narratives that could further inflame religious tensions.
He urged Nigerians and international organisations to rely on verified data rather than sensational figures circulated on social media.
The bishop reaffirmed that the Catholic Church remains committed to promoting truth, peace, and national unity.
He emphasised that accuracy is essential in confronting Nigeria’s security crisis without deepening divisions.
Bishop Mathew Kukah was ordained priest in the Catholic Church in 1981 and was made Bishop of Sokoto in 2012.
