By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The 19 Northern States and Abuja chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has defended Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, amid widespread criticism over comments linked to allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria.The controversy followed claims attributed to the administration of former United States President Donald Trump, which suggested that Christians were facing genocide in Nigeria. Bishop Kukah and Governor Alia were accused by some Christian groups of dismissing those allegations, sparking intense debate nationwide.
Addressing journalists during a media parley held over the weekend in Kaduna, Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, said the remarks credited to Bishop Kukah were largely misrepresented. He explained that the cleric did not deny the killing of Christians but raised rhetorical questions aimed at promoting deeper reflection on the issue.
According to Rev. Hayab, Bishop Kukah acknowledged the reality of violence against Christians while questioning how genocide is defined. He said the bishop emphasized that genocide should be determined by intent and action, not merely by the number of casualties.
Rev. Hayab cited the killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto as an example raised by Bishop Kukah to illustrate that even the murder of one person could constitute genocide if driven by targeted hatred. He noted that selective reporting distorted the bishop’s message and fueled public outrage.On the position of the Benue State governor, Rev. Hayab said Governor Alia’s comments should be viewed within a political context. He explained that while the governor acknowledged ongoing killings in Benue, his framing reflected the complexities of political leadership rather than a denial of violence against Christians.
The Northern CAN chairman urged Nigerians not to magnify internal disagreements but to focus on confronting the larger threat of terrorism. He stressed that divisions along religious lines only embolden violent groups operating in the region. Rev. Hayab called for stronger unity between Christians and Muslims in northern Nigeria, noting that terrorism would be significantly weakened if communities presented a united front. He said terrorists thrive on division and exploit religious narratives to sustain their operations.“
We may not all carry weapons, but when terrorists know that an attack on one community angers everyone, their activities will be curtailed,” he said. He added that terrorists should be seen by all Nigerians as common enemies, regardless of faith or ethnicity.He also warned of alleged attempts by terror groups to escalate religious tensions ahead of elections, particularly in parts of northern and North-Central Nigeria. Rev. Hayab urged citizens to resist manipulation and instead demand stronger action from government and security agencies. The CAN chairman reaffirmed the association’s commitment to humanitarian support for victims of violence, recalling past interventions in communities affected by attacks, including the Owo church attack and relief efforts across the Middle Belt.
Concluding, Rev. Hayab emphasized that the loss of any Nigerian life is a national tragedy. He urged leaders to rise to their responsibilities and called on citizens to remain united in the collective fight against terrorism and insecurity.
