SOKOTO, Nigeria – Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has issued a stern call to President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action in addressing the rampant violence and insecurity plaguing Nigeria.
In his Easter message, Kukah likened the current suffering of Nigerians to the crucifixion of Christ, urging the president to intervene with urgency.
Drawing parallels between the Easter season and the country’s current state of suffering, Kukah said, “The blind passion of those who crucified innocence” mirrors the ongoing violence in Nigeria.
He highlighted the increasing brutality and savagery being witnessed across the country, with ongoing attacks by terrorist groups and bandits causing widespread panic, displacement, and death.
The Bishop expressed his frustrations about the country’s situation, where innocent civilians are being kidnapped daily, communities are caught in the cycle of violence, and the state of insecurity threatens to overwhelm the country.
He called on the president to take immediate action to stop the bloodshed and bring relief to those suffering.
Kukah criticized the inability of the government to effectively respond to the rising tide of violence, asking, “Is the persistence of insecurity a statement of the lack of capacity of our men and women in uniform, or is it evidence that those at the top are reaping the fruits of funding their own war machine?”
He urged the president to step up and demonstrate leadership, emphasising that the nation is approaching a breaking point.
In his message, Kukah also called for hope to be restored in the country.
He urged Nigerians, especially Christians, to look beyond the challenges and place their faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which symbolises victory over adversity.
He asked President Tinubu to help restore this hope by taking meaningful steps to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
The bishop concluded his message by urging all Nigerians to unite and rebuild the country, to fight against the darkness that threatens to engulf it, and to work collectively toward creating a society in line with the values of peace and justice.
