The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has warned that Nigeria is drifting dangerously amid “endless turbulence,” urging the government and citizens to take immediate steps to restore security, trust, and good governance.
In his 2026 Easter message titled Faith and Hope in Times of Turbulence, released on Sunday, April 5, 2026, Bishop Kukah described the country’s worsening insecurity as a humanitarian crisis that has left thousands killed, millions displaced, and many communities destroyed.
“Turbulence is Nigeria’s surname,” he declared, blaming much of the instability on “self-generated turbulence by the local elites.”
Kukah noted that after over 20 years and more than 20,000 deaths, violence continues to ravage the nation unchecked.
“For now, our nation has become what the late Pope Francis referred to as a field hospital,” he said.
He expressed concern that loss of trust in security agencies is pushing citizens into alliances with bandits and criminals, with some serving as informants against their own communities.
On governance, the bishop criticised political leaders for failing to deliver on promises, leaving millions in poverty and young people hopeless.
“The Nigerian landscape is still riddled with unredeemed promissory notes,” he said. “Unemployment is smothering the dreams of young people.”
Kukah also faulted temporary food distribution programmes, describing them as evidence of failed long-term agricultural planning and governance.
Despite the grim situation, he urged Nigerians not to surrender to despair. “We may be struck down, but we cannot be destroyed,” he said, calling on citizens to balance the right to self-defence with the pursuit of peace and to actively contribute to nation-building.
“The boat of our nation is threatening to sink, yet even in his sleep, he is awake to command the storm to be still,” Kukah added, expressing hope that faith, unity, and collective action can help Nigeria overcome its challenges.
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