The Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has warned that Nigeria’s worsening security situation shows the nation is at a dangerous crossroads.
Kukah gave the indication in Abuja during a dialogue on a ‘Whole-of-society approach to preventing violence and conflict in Northern Nigeria’, convened by the National Peace Committee, The Kukah Centre, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
He said, “Insecurity in Nigeria shows that the country has hit the rock bottom. No Nigerian needs an explanation about insecurity. If you haven’t personally felt it, you certainly know someone who has.”
The cleric said achieving peace requires government leadership anchored on humility, openness, and justice, while religious and traditional institutions must boldly confront extremist tendencies within their domains.
“We must feel free to raise our voices. Citizenship is not only about voting; it is also about accountability. When leaders fail us, we must hold them responsible,” he said.
Kukah explained that many violent incidents across the country are rooted in extremist ideologies, even when they appear as communal clashes or mere criminality, adding that addressing them demands a collective commitment from all stakeholders.
He cautioned that weapons alone cannot restore peace, insisting that an armed approach merely offers temporary comfort without tackling the underlying issues.
“Peace is a shared investment. You cannot enjoy the returns if you do not make the investment,” he added.