Bishop Matthew Hassan-Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has stated that the ongoing killings in Plateau State, Nigeria, are not just a result of herder-farmer clashes but rather a deliberate attempt by the perpetrators to shape Nigeria according to their ideology. In a statement released on Saturday, the cleric called on the government to resist the agenda of the murderers and protect its citizens.
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Bishop Kukah strongly condemned the simultaneous attacks by assailants in the Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Christmas Eve, which have led to the deaths of over 200 people and the destruction of numerous houses and farmlands. He referred to the perpetrators as “sons of Satan” who intentionally intended to dampen the Christmas celebrations for the people of Plateau.
Kukah also pointed out that there is a pattern to these attacks, with specific locations, communities, and timings chosen by the killers. He emphasized that someone has an ulterior motive for the Middle Belt region and called for a connection to be made with the history of the Nigerian state.
The Bishop expressed his concern that Nigeria is currently under attack by enemies who are waging a war against the country and its people. He questioned the identity and motives of the killers, as well as their sponsors and the reasons behind their actions. Kukah further lamented the prevalence of destructive elements, such as Boko Haram and banditry, in the north of the country, and called for a re-examination of the long-term plan to seize power.
Kukah stressed that the recent incidents are just the beginning and urged the nation to address this threat before it becomes uncontrollable. He emphasized the need for strategies to rebuild community cohesion and resilience and called for a reevaluation of the national security architecture to put an end to intelligence failures.
The cleric concluded by advocating for transparency in investigations and the implementation of rewards and punishments to build trust and confidence in the process. He emphasized that rebuilding hearts is just as important as physical infrastructure in the affected communities.
Note: The edited version maintains the main points of the original text while improving clarity and conciseness. It also ensures that the statements are accurately attributed to Bishop Kukah.
