“Whether we call them bandits, kidnappers or extremists, they’re our children” – Bishop Kukah

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has sparked nationwide debate with his Christmas message, linking Nigeria’s insecurity to deep social failure.

In his Christmas message, the bishop said bandits, kidnappers and extremists are products of the same society they now terrorise.

Society Created the Crisis

Delivering his 2025 Christmas message, Kukah warned that neglect of children, education and values continues to fuel violence.

He blamed years of poor leadership, governance failure and weak social responsibility.

He said those behind killings and abductions did not emerge suddenly or mysteriously.

According to the Christmas message, society itself produced them through broken systems and toxic politics.

“Whether we call them bandits, kidnappers or extremists, they are our children. They came out of our own loins. Our children are our future.”

Hope Amid National Trials

In his Christmas reflection titled “Joy and Hope in a Time of Tribulation,” Kukah said Nigeria is passing through painful trials.

The bishop in his Christmas message listed killings, abductions and fear across many communities.

Despite the suffering, he reminded Christians that Christ’s birth symbolises hope in dark times.

The bishop stressed that insecurity, especially in the North, stems from poverty, illiteracy and moral collapse.

Kukah warned that ignoring these root causes could push Nigeria closer to chaos.

As a solution, he called for urgent investment in education and moral renewal. “We must either renovate, educate or perish.”

Children as the Biggest Victims

The bishop expressed concern over the suffering of children in Nigeria’s broken system.

He said many children face kidnapping, abuse, forced labour and early marriage.

He referenced school abductions in Chibok, Dapchi, Maga and Papiri. According to his message, nearly 2,000 children have been affected in Nigeria.

He added that similar tragedies are unfolding globally, citing Gaza and Sudan.

Rejecting Violence and Revenge

Addressing persecution, Kukah rejected armed retaliation by Christians. He urged faith, prayer and moral conduct instead of violence.

Citing scripture, he recalled Jesus telling Peter to put away his sword. “Violence cannot defeat violence.” He said Christianity has survived oppression through resilience, not force.

Call to Leaders and Citizens

The Sokoto-based cleric challenged Nigerian leaders to act responsibly.

The bishop urged leaders to use national resources for the common good.

He said insecurity, poverty and bad governance must be confronted honestly. Despite the grim situation, Kukah urged Nigerians not to lose hope.

“By the birth of Christ, Emmanuel—God is with us.” He added that Christmas light “is a light that darkness cannot overcome.”

Kukah called on Nigerians to reject hatred and division. “We have buried our dead together. We have mourned together. We must hold together in darkness so we can welcome the light together.”

Closing Reflections

The bishop acknowledged efforts by government and security agencies in freeing abducted children. He described repeated school abductions as “one ordeal too many.”

In his final message, the bishop urged Christians to reflect Christ in daily life.

“We do not celebrate Christmas as a feast or a date on our calendar. We celebrate it as a vocation — to let the world see and experience the face of Jesus through lives of love, peace and reconciliation.”

He wished Nigerians a joyful Christmas and encouraged them to remain hopeful.