Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Convener of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Matthew Kukah, has dismissed claims of Christian persecution and genocide in Nigeria, asserting that the definition of genocide is based on intent, not casualty numbers.
Bishop Kukah, who recently faced criticism for advising the international community against labeling Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” stated his position aligns with the Vatican and other Nigerian Catholic leaders.
Speaking at the 46th Supreme Convention of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) in Kaduna, Bishop Kukah questioned widely circulated figures, such as claims that 1,200 churches are burned 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 asked.
Addressing the definition of “genocide,” the Bishop emphasized intent:
“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 clarified his position is based on extensive research:
“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.
Bishop Kukah also challenged the idea of widespread Christian persecution by highlighting the group’s social and economic standing:
“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 argued that internal disunity is a larger problem, stating:
“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.”
Finally, he cautioned against the casual use of the term “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.
