In a New Year message titled ‘Blood and Crucifixion On The Plateau,’ the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the pervasive issue of mindless killings in the country.
Bishop Kukah emphasized that the legitimacy of the government rests on resolving this crisis and restoring the nation.
Expressing frustration with vague explanations, Kukah stated, “Tinubu must know that the legitimacy of his government hangs on resolving this and giving us our country back. We are tired of the confusing, inexcusable monosyllabic excuses.”
He said, “We are tired of the confusing, inexcusable monosyllabic excuses saying, this is an asymmetrical war, we are on top of the situation, you cannot kill an idea, it is not about religion or ethnicity, we will bring them to justice.
“This culture of investigation as excuses must end. The media and we the people must continue to remind the government of its obligations to be accountable.
He criticized the current narrative surrounding the situation, urging an end to the culture of investigation as an excuse.
Kukah emphasized the importance of transparency in investigations, stating that making the findings public would build confidence among the citizens.
“If investigations are made public and rewards or punishment are carried out, then it builds confidence. It will enable people to become involved in their own security.
“We, citizens of Nigeria feel collectively humiliated and betrayed by those who are collaborating with these murderers and a government that seems helpless.
“Can we continue to believe that there is no long-term plan to take over the reins of power of the Nigerian state?
“These people want power. They want it on their own terms. They want their own kind of Nigeria according to their ideology.
“These killings are just a preface. These killings are no longer acts by herders and farmers over grazing fields. No, there is more and we as a nation will do well to face this threat before it is sunset.
“No evil lasts forever. The world defeated slavery, apartheid, nazism, racism, and forms of extremism.”
Kukah worried why the North had become the birthplace of bloodletting?
The bishop questioned the prevalence of violence in the North, stating, “Why has our North become the incubator of all that is destructive? Boko Haram, banditry, and shades of terrorism all live in our region. Why is this so?” He called for the intelligence community to identify and disclose the motives and identities of the perpetrators.
While commending the federal government’s response to the tragedies, Kukah highlighted the need for a more comprehensive strategy. He stressed the urgency of rebuilding community cohesion and resilience, stating, “Rebuilding hearts is more urgent than rebuilding houses.”
In conclusion, Kukah appealed to President Tinubu to prioritize the restoration of communities, stating, “Mr. President, give us back our communities. Give us back our country.”
