Bishop Kukah Urges International Community Against Designating Nigeria 'Country of Concern' Over Religious Freedom Crisis

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has urged the international community not to label Nigeria as a 'Country of Concern' despite facing significant religious freedom and security challenges. In a statement during the launch of the Aid to the Church in Need's 2025 World Report on Religious Freedom, Kukah highlighted Nigeria's struggles, describing it as a "huge kill field" plagued by jihadist groups, banditry, and violence against Christians.

He criticized President Muhammadu Buhari's administration for exacerbating interfaith tensions and favoring Islam in the north. Kukah also commended former President Bola Tinubu for his gestures of empathy towards victims of violence in Benue State.