Bishop Matthew Kukah rejected claims of Christian persecution and genocide in Nigeria, insisting the narratives are exaggerated, based on false data, and contrary to the reality of Christian influence in the country.
At a Knights of St. Mulumba convention in Kaduna, Bishop Matthew Kukah stated that there is no persecution or genocide against Christians in Nigeria, arguing that such claims are based on misinformation. He questioned statistics alleging that “1,200 churches are burnt in Nigeria every year,” saying no one verified such data with the Catholic Church, and stressed that “genocide is not based on the number of people killed… you determine it by intention.” Kukah argued that Christians remain highly influential, noting that “at least 80% of educated Nigerians are Christians” and they control much of the economy, making persecution claims inconsistent.
He blamed internal disunity, saying “Christians succumb to bullies,” and cautioned against casually labeling deaths as martyrdom. Clarifying earlier comments, he maintained that it is inaccurate to assert that “there is genocide or martyrdom in Nigeria,” urging Christians instead to defend the Church through