January 28th, 2026 - Nigerian Catholic Bishop Navigates a Divided Nation

After a missile strike on Sokoto, Nigeria, just days after Christmas, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah’s heart raced as he received a message about the attack. His diocese, which is predominantly Muslim, had been mistakenly believed to be targeted. However, it turned out that the missiles were aimed at Islamist extremists hiding miles outside the city. Although relieved, Bishop Kukah had initially feared the strike might spark a U.S. war against Islam, especially as President Trump had been vocal about Muslim involvement in a so-called "Christian genocide" in Nigeria.

Bishop Kukah, who is based in Sokoto, has worked for years to build bridges between Muslims and Christians in a region with deep religious divisions. Despite the challenges of violence affecting both communities, he sees the broader issue as a complex cycle involving criminal activity and terrorism rather than a religious conflict. In a speech last October, he described the crisis in Nigeria as driven by a mix of terrorism, criminal violence, and religious persecution. This nuanced perspective has not been universally embraced, especially by critics within Nigeria who accuse him of downplaying Christian persecution.

Recently, Bishop Kukah has faced backlash, including from Nigerian civil rights activist Thompson Udenwa, who accused him of changing his stance on Christian persecution. Further, some factions within the Christian community have demanded a public apology. Despite this, Kukah remains resolute in his view that security issues in Nigeria transcend religious lines, and that improving governance and law enforcement are central to addressing the violence.

Bishop Kukah, who has been recognized as "the conscience of a nation" by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has long advocated for peace, good governance, and interfaith dialogue. Through the Kukah Center, which he founded in 2012, he has promoted initiatives to foster cooperation between Nigeria's religious communities. Known for his ability to engage in difficult conversations, he continues to use his platform to address Nigeria's complex challenges, including its rising pretrial detention rates and ongoing corruption investigations. His work has made an impression globally, with his recent visit to Egypt and avid consumption of global literature and news showcasing his broad intellectual curiosity.

In interviews, Bishop Kukah has expressed frustration with the lack of political will to tackle Nigeria's underlying security issues, urging both the government and citizens to take responsibility for improving the country's situation. His message resonates with many Nigerians, who see him as a voice of reason amidst the country's divisions and crises.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Bombast (noun, BAHM-bast) - Bombast is a formal word that refers to speech or writing that is meant to sound important or impressive but that is not sincere or meaningful.

Example: You need less bombast and more substance in this speech.

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