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NIGERIA UNDER SIEGE

The Deepening Crisis: Examining Bishop Kukah’s Concerns on Nigeria’s Insecurity
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has struggled with various forms of insecurity for decades, but
recent years have seen a worrying escalation in violence and unrest. From the jihadist insurgency in the
northeast, to rising rates of banditry and abduction incidents in the north central and northwest, the
insecurity plaguing Nigeria poses a significant threat to its stability, economy, and social fabric. This
concern has been brought to the forefront by outspoken Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew
Hassan Kukah, who has consistently called on the Nigerian government to take urgent, effective
measures in addressing these issues.


The Current State of Insecurity: A Nation Under Siege
As of 2020, an estimated 3 million Nigerians have been displaced by insecurity, with 37,000 killed due to
terrorism-related incidents, as reported by the Global Terrorism Index. Over the past year, kidnappings
for ransom have gripped the nation, noticeably increasing in frequency alongside a worrying 300% spike
between Q2 2020 and Q1 2021, according to The Cable News.
Dr. Nowa Omoigui, a Nigerian political analyst, explains that “the current state of affairs is a boiling point
of long-standing socio-economic tensions, driven by poverty, unemployment, and political instability.” In
light of these harrowing statistics, a spotlight must be placed on Bishop Kukah’s vocal stance on Nigeria’s
insecurity problems.


Bishop Kukah’s Views: A Call for Solutions
In multiple communications, Bishop Kukah has expressed his alarm at the deteriorating security
situation in Nigeria. He has attributed this crisis to a mixture of “government negligence, corruption, and
systemic failure to address the root causes.” As Kukah remarked in a recent interview with Channels
Television, “the killings have become too numerous to count and have met with a deafening silence
from the government.”
The impact of Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation on its citizenry cannot be understated. Beyond
loss of life and displacement, it threatens the country’s potential for economic growth and foreign
investment. As Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former World Bank Managing Director and now WTO Director-
General, warns, “security issues that keep foreign investors and tourists away will leave Nigeria unable
to reach its potential and further stall development.”


A Chorus of Concerns: Other Voices Weighing In
Bishop Kukah’s fears are not baseless, nor are they unique. His concerns are mirrored by prominent
figures such as Amnesty International Nigeria Director, Osai Ojigho, who has criticized the government’s
“lack of political will” in dealing with these pressing challenges. Nigerian business magnate, Aliko
Dangote, also cites insecurity as a “major obstacle” to Nigeria’s economic expansion.


A Call to Action: Demanding Change
As Bishop Kukah’s concerns highlight the gravity of Nigeria’s insecurity crisis, it becomes imperative for
Nigerian citizens and global observers alike to demand increased accountability and action from the

government, as well as regional partners. Greater public awareness and international support can
provide the necessary impetus for tangible and sustainable solutions from authorities.
The time has come for Nigerians, and those who care for the country’s future, to heed Bishop Kukah’s
calls for change. A united front, resilient and persistent in its pursuit

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