Bishop Kukah Sounds Alarm on Nigeria’s Turmoil
Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese has issued a stark warning about Nigeria’s precarious state, characterizing the nation as being in “endless turmoil.” He cautioned that without urgent measures to restore trust, security, and good governance, Nigeria risks plunging into an even deeper crisis.
Easter Message Highlights Grim Reality
In his Easter 2026 message, titled “Faith and Hope in Turbulent Times,” released on Sunday, Kukah painted a somber picture of a nation grappling with insecurity, economic hardship, and ineffective leadership. He boldly claimed, “Turbulence is Nigeria’s surname,” reflecting on the country’s ongoing cycle of instability fostered by the failures of local elites.
Humanitarian Crisis Emerges Amid Security Deterioration
Kukah expressed concern that the deteriorating security situation has escalated into a humanitarian crisis, with countless lives lost and millions displaced due to violence. “More than 20 years and over 20,000 corpses later, this fearsome harvester still roams freely across the country,” he lamented.
Distrust in Government Fuels Dangerous Alliances
The Bishop highlighted the growing mistrust towards the military and other government institutions, suggesting that this disenchantment is pushing citizens into perilous affiliations, including collaboration with criminal groups. He remarked, “Years of fatigue have lured ordinary citizens into the dangerous embrace of bandits,” adding that some individuals are now compromised, “trading in the future of their families and communities.”
Governance Failures Leave Citizens Disillusioned
On governance issues, Kukah criticized Nigeria’s political elite for failing to fulfill electoral promises, leaving millions in poverty and many young people without hope for a brighter future. “The Nigerian landscape is still filled with unredeemed promissory notes,” he stated, lamenting how unemployment suffocates the aspirations of youth in a country rich in potential.
Short-term Relief Measures Critiqued
He also challenged the efficacy of short-term relief efforts, asserting that they merely expose deeper systemic failures in governance and planning. “Simply distributing food would be an admission that our country has failed to develop a robust agricultural program that could end hunger,” he cautioned.
A Call for Faith, Unity, and Active Citizenship
Despite the grim outlook, Kukah urged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to resist despair and maintain their faith and moral responsibilities. “We may be attacked, but we cannot be destroyed,” he emphasized, underscoring the importance of balancing self-defense with a commitment to peace. He encouraged active participation in national rebuilding efforts, reminding citizens that overlooking their role would be deeply misguided.
Hope for a Nation’s Rebirth
Utilizing Biblical imagery, the Bishop expressed belief that Nigeria can surmount its current challenges through faith, unity, and collective action. “Our ships are in danger of sinking, but even if he is asleep, he is awake and commanding the storm to calm,” he noted. He concluded his message with a powerful exhortation to both pray and take substantive action toward national revival. “We must pray and work hard, believing that the walls built by war and division will eventually come down,” he stated. This call to action emerges as Nigerians celebrate Easter amid ongoing security challenges, escalating living costs, and mounting concerns regarding national unity and stability.
