Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has sounded a dire warning about the state of Nigeria, describing the country as gradually becoming a “huge national morgue” due to the prevailing insecurity and violence.
According to Bishop Kukah in his Easter message, the nation is “reaching a breaking point” as innocent citizens are kidnapped and held under inhuman conditions, and a “dark pall of death” hangs over the country.
The bishop acknowledges that while the current administration did not create this crisis, it bears the responsibility to address it. Adding that the pervasive culture of cynicism and hopelessness among citizens is a testament to the urgent need for renewed hope and effective governance.
“Now is the time to rekindle and renew that hope,” he said, emphasising the importance of faith in overcoming adversity.
“We are in a dilemma now, and the question is simple: is the persistence of the 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?”
“Allowing this insecurity to persist will undermine all forms of goodwill that this or any government in Nigeria espouses. We have all the ingredients to create a toxic mix of violence that can spin out of control.
He lamented on how frustration has penetrated every spectrum of society, especially as the government and its security agencies seem to have largely become spectators in the dance of death that has overtaken the country.
The bishop reminded the Christian faithful that the resurrection of Jesus equips Christians to face life’s challenges with confidence.
“At Easter, we must remember that the law of the Lord is written in our hearts (Romans 2:15). The structural deformities, the iniquities, and the corruption of our country are not an excuse for us to let down our guard.
“See, we are the light of the world, a city set on a hill. We are equipped with the light of Christ to drive out the darkness that threatens to engulf our country. Let us collectively renew our commitment and hope for building a society after the mind of our creator.”
