As Christians across the country mark the Easter celebration, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has delivered a sobering message on the state of the nation, warning that Nigeria is slowly turning into a “huge national morgue” due to the alarming levels of insecurity and violence.
In his 2025 Easter message, Bishop Kukah painted a grim picture of the country’s current state, highlighting widespread killings, kidnappings, and a growing sense of hopelessness among citizens. He said Nigeria is “reaching a breaking point,” and called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently take action to stop the suffering of innocent Nigerians.
“We are living under a dark pall of death. The country is bleeding, and innocent citizens are being kidnapped and kept under inhuman conditions. Our nation is gradually becoming a massive graveyard,” Kukah said.
The Bishop did not shy away from addressing the responsibility of the government in the ongoing crisis. While he acknowledged that the current administration inherited the country’s problems, he insisted that it now carries the burden of fixing them.
“President Tinubu did not create this crisis, but he is now the one in the driver’s seat. He must act decisively to bring us down from this cross of evil,” Kukah said, borrowing the imagery of Christ’s crucifixion to describe the country’s pain.
He warned that if insecurity continues unchecked, it will erode any remaining goodwill the government enjoys and destroy citizens’ trust in leadership.
Kukah expressed deep concern about the deteriorating security situation, describing how fear and frustration have crept into every corner of Nigerian society. He noted that Nigerians now feel abandoned as armed groups operate freely, and the response from security agencies has often been slow or ineffective.
“Is the persistence of insecurity a reflection of the inability of our men and women in uniform, or does it suggest that those in charge are benefitting from the ongoing violence?” he asked pointedly.
This statement echoes the growing concern among many Nigerians who believe the security situation is not just a failure of strategy, but a deeper problem rooted in corruption and political interests.
According to the Bishop, the hopelessness in the country has become widespread, affecting not just the poor, but also the middle class and elite. He described how the sense of defeat is evident in public discourse, with many Nigerians feeling helpless and disconnected from those in power.
“There is a pervasive culture of cynicism and despair. We cannot afford to ignore this mood. It is a loud cry for justice, for safety, for dignity, and above all, for hope,” he said.
Despite the grim assessment of Nigeria’s condition, Bishop Kukah also called for hope, using the message of Easter as a foundation for spiritual renewal and resilience.
“Now is the time to rekindle and renew hope,” he said. “Easter reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus is a symbol of victory over suffering and death. It calls us to live with courage, even in difficult times.”
He urged Christians to draw strength from their faith, reminding them that the teachings of Christ provide a path forward even in the darkest of moments.
“We are the light of the world, a city set on a hill. As followers of Christ, we are equipped with His light to drive out the darkness that threatens to engulf our country,” he said.
Kukah’s message also served as a challenge to the Christian community. He called on believers to resist corruption, dishonesty, and division, and to remain firm in their values regardless of the situation around them.
“The law of the Lord is written in our hearts. The structural deformities and corruption in our nation are not an excuse for us to lose our way,” he said.
He encouraged Christians to be models of integrity and love in their communities, especially in these difficult times. He also reminded church leaders of their responsibility to speak truth to power and stand with the poor and vulnerable.
Bishop Kukah is known for his outspoken views on national issues, particularly regarding governance, justice, and security. His Easter messages in previous years have sparked both praise and criticism, especially from political figures. However, many Nigerians have come to see him as one of the few voices in the clergy consistently calling for accountability and change.
His 2025 Easter message comes at a time when Nigeria is facing increasing challenges. Kidnappings for ransom are widespread, particularly in the North and Middle Belt regions. Farmers are frequently attacked, schoolchildren are abducted, and armed bandits control parts of rural Nigeria. Many citizens have accused the government of not doing enough to address the crisis.
In the southern regions, while there is relatively more stability, issues such as cult violence, police brutality, and unemployment continue to cause fear and frustration.
The economy is also under pressure, with inflation, a weakening naira, and high cost of living contributing to the national mood of despair. As citizens struggle to make ends meet, many have looked to religious and community leaders for guidance and hope.
Bishop Kukah’s Easter message is not just a religious reflection, but a national wake-up call. As Nigerians celebrate Easter, his words serve as a reminder that the country is in desperate need of healing, unity, and decisive leadership.
“We are in a dilemma now. But Easter is a time of renewal. Let us hold on to our faith and work together for a better Nigeria,” he said.
As the country navigates another year of uncertainty, Kukah’s message encourages both leaders and citizens to reject hopelessness and to fight for justice, peace, and human dignity.
