The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev Matthew Kukah, has condemned the unfair treatment of Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the North, where they face persecution.
Speaking virtually at the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of the Order of the Knights of St Mulumba Nigeria Eko Subordinate Council in Lagos on Friday, Bishop Kukah highlighted the alarming trend of violence against Christians in Northern Nigeria.
He pointed out that Christians are often targeted and killed without consequences, and questioned whether anyone has ever been held accountable for burning churches or destroying Christian properties.
“The perpetrators of these heinous crimes are granted impunity, roaming freely without facing any consequences for their actions.”
Bishop Kukah’s statement was part of his address, themed ‘Christian Martyrdom in Nigeria…a Building Block or Stumbling Block to Salvation or Patriotism,’ in which he lamented the shocking lack of accountability for the atrocities committed against Christians in Northern Nigeria.
Despite the numerous incidents, not a single person has been prosecuted for these crimes.
The senseless slaughter of a pastor in Adamawa, the brutal killings of priests in Benue, and the murders of priests in Kaduna all remain unaddressed.
It appears that the world has condoned the killing of Christians, making it a consequence-free act.
As Christians, we should be deeply troubled by the attacks on churches in Ikwerre, Sokoto, Onitsha, and elsewhere in Nigeria.
Unfortunately, Christianity has become subservient to ethnicity, and many people still harbor a caliphate mentality, viewing those outside their group as enemies.
This mindset has led to the marginalization of Christians in Northern Nigeria, where Christianity is merely tolerated.
Christians face difficulties acquiring land to build churches, and this injustice is often overlooked.
I’m currently experiencing similar issues in Kenya,” he stated, as quoted by Vanguard.
“Regardless of whether people listen or not, we must continue to preach the gospel.”
