Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has called on Nigerian leaders to urgently address the nation’s persistent challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and poor governance. Speaking in his 2025 Christmas message titled “Joy and Hope in a Time of Tribulation”, Bishop Kukah insisted that despite Nigeria’s deep crises, the country has enough resources to care for its citizens if selfishness and greed are curtailed.

“By the birth of Christ, Emmanuel—God is with us,” Kukah said, describing the light of Christmas as “a light that darkness cannot overcome.” He lamented that Nigeria remains “trapped in a valley of violence and sorrow,” with insecurity threatening lives, faith, and national cohesion.

The cleric highlighted the persistent cycle of violence, including killings, kidnappings, and destruction, which repeatedly plunge communities into mourning. Drawing parallels with biblical history, he recalled that Jesus was born amid violence and poverty, referencing King Herod’s massacre of innocent children as a reminder that faith must endure even under harsh circumstances.

Bishop Kukah expressed deep concern over the plight of children both globally and in Nigeria, describing violence against children as “a tragic continuation of the Christmas story of innocent suffering.” He cited the abduction of schoolchildren in Chibok, Dapchi, Maga, and Papiri, noting that nearly 2,000 children have been affected.

“Our children are our future,” Kukah said, warning that neglect, poor governance, and official complicity have worsened their vulnerability. He welcomed the reported safe return of some abducted children, calling it “one ordeal too many” and praying that it would mark the end of such tragedies.

The bishop attributed the violence, especially in Northern Nigeria, to years of poverty, illiteracy, miseducation, and moral decay, stressing that perpetrators of violence are products of failed systems and toxic politics. “Whether we call them bandits, kidnappers or extremists, they are our children. They came out of our own loins,” he said.

Kukah warned that without serious investment in education and moral renewal, Nigeria risks further descent into chaos. “We must either renovate, educate or perish,” he declared.

Addressing Christians, Kukah urged believers to reject retaliation and violence, advocating for faith, prayer, and moral witness rather than weapons. “Violence cannot defeat violence,” he said, quoting Jesus’s admonition to Peter to put away the sword. He reminded Nigerians that Christianity has survived persecution and outlived empires through faith and resilience.

Bishop Kukah called for national unity, reconciliation, and collective healing, urging Nigerians to draw strength from shared suffering. “We have buried our dead together. We have mourned together. We must hold together in darkness so we can welcome the light together,” he said.

Concluding his message, Kukah reminded Nigerians that Christmas is not merely a feast or calendar date but a vocation to embody the teachings of Christ through love, peace, and reconciliation. He wished all Nigerians a joyful Christmas, urging them to hold on to hope despite the nation’s trials.

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