Key Points

• Bishop Kukah criticizes the escalating violence across Nigeria.

• He urges President Tinubu to restore hope amidst the crisis.

• The bishop decries kidnappings and calls for urgent action.

Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, criticized the ongoing violence in Nigeria during his Easter statement on April 21, 2025.

In a letter to President Bola Tinubu, Kukah painted a bleak picture of the country’s situation, likening the suffering of Nigerians to the agony of Christ on the cross.

He emphasized that the current violence is spiraling out of control. “What we are witnessing is a culture of brutality never before seen in Nigeria,” he said, pointing to the numerous terror groups wreaking havoc, including Boko Haram and bandits.

Kukah stressed that the time for action is now, urging the president to take swift steps to end the violence.

The devastating impact of violence on Nigerian citizens

Bishop Kukah’s message highlights the worsening insecurity in the northern and central regions of Nigeria.

He described the country as a “huge national morgue,” where innocent citizens are kidnapped and killed daily. The violence has become so pervasive that it has seeped into all levels of Nigerian society.

Kukah noted the rising number of abductions and killings, which have left the population living in constant fear.

He expressed his concern that Nigeria is heading toward a breaking point and called on the government to act with urgency to reverse the tide of insecurity.

Kukah urges hope and leadership from President Tinubu

In his Easter statement, Bishop Kukah emphasized the need for hope, despite the dire situation.

While acknowledging that President Tinubu was not responsible for the violence, Kukah called for the president to lead the country toward peace.

He urged the government to restore public faith and address the security crisis with renewed efforts.

Without strong leadership, Kukah warned, Nigeria could suffer a collapse of its institutions and social fabric. He urged President Tinubu to take immediate steps to tackle the violence and safeguard the country’s future.