Most Rev. Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese has urged Christians in the country not to resort to violence in the face of persecution against them, believers, he said must rely on faith, prayer and moral witness to defeat their enemies.
The Catholic Bishop made the admonition in his 2025 Christmas message to Nigerians, titled “Joy and Hope in a Time of Tribulation.”
His message comes on the heels of the backlash he received from not a few Nigerians after he argued that Christians are not being persecuted in the country.
He made the comment after the United States President, Donald Trump warned the federal government to stop Christians genocide in the country, failure which he would be forced to act militarily. The US leader also threatened to impose economic sanctions on Nigeria, part from withdrawing aids to the country, if perpetrators of violence in the country were not reined in.
Kukah, in his reaction had said that Christians were not the only subject of attacks by terrorists, he also downplayed the need for President Trump to intervene.
In his Christmas message he shared on his social media platforms on Thursday, the Bishop noted that “Violence cannot defeat violence,” urging Christians not to worry as a result of the persecution they are facing, saying history has shown that the faith has outlived centuries of violence and attacks against their belief.
He stressed that the birth of Jesus Christ as the Lord and savior of the world is a beacon of hope for mankind in the darkest moments which “darkness cannot overcome.”
He called for a peaceful co-existence among Nigerians calling on the people to unite and put an end to division and hatred in the country, adding that the challenges facing the country will be overcome if everybody works together. .
Kukah: “We have buried our dead together. We have mourned together
“We must hold together in darkness so we can welcome the light together.”
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
