Amid rising concerns over religious violence and insecurity, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah has called on the international community not to brand Nigeria a “Country of Concern,” warning that doing so could worsen tensions and undermine peace efforts.
Kukah made the appeal during the launch of the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) 2025 World Report on Religious Freedom, which highlights a global decline in religious liberty affecting over 5.4 billion people.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s severe security and religious freedom challenges, Kukah described the country as a “huge killing field” plagued by jihadist attacks, banditry and internal displacement. He said Christians and moderate Muslims continue to face targeted violence, kidnappings, and destruction of churches.
The Bishop criticized the Muhammadu Buhari administration, calling it “the worst phase” for interfaith relations and accusing it of policies that emboldened extremists. In contrast, he described President Bola Tinubu’s government as offering a “window of opportunity” through measures such as appointing Christians to key positions and personally visiting victims of violence.
Kukah warned that designating Nigeria as a “Country of Concern” could undermine these efforts, increase tensions, and allow perpetrators of violence to exploit the situation.
He urged international and civil society partners to continue supporting Nigeria in addressing religious extremism, emphasizing vigilance, cooperation, and constructive engagement over punitive labels.
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