Nigeria has become a field hospital, but cannot be destroyed — Kukah – Tribune Online

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has raised fresh alarm over Nigeria’s worsening crises, describing the country as trapped in “endless turbulence” driven by insecurity, failed leadership, and deepening public despair.

In his 2026 Easter message titled “Faith and Hope in Times of Turbulence,” Kukah said Nigeria’s challenges have persisted for decades, leaving citizens exhausted and uncertain about the future.

“Turbulence is Nigeria’s surname,” he said, noting that instability has become a defining feature of the nation’s history.

Kukah painted a bleak picture of the country’s security situation, saying years of violence have turned Nigeria into a humanitarian emergency zone.

“After over 20 years and well over 20,000 corpses… the grim harvester still roams freely,” he said.

“Our nation has become… a field hospital.” He warned that public confidence in state institutions, especially the military, has eroded significantly.

“Citizens feel that there is a misstep between will, intention and purpose,” he said, adding that frustration has pushed some Nigerians into collaborating with criminal groups.

The cleric also aimed at the political class, accusing leaders of failing to fulfil promises and address widespread poverty and unemployment.

“The Nigerian landscape is still riddled with unredeemed promissory notes,” he said. “Unemployment is smothering the dreams of young people.”

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Kukah criticised reliance on palliative measures, saying they reflect deeper governance failures.

“Distributing food… is an admission of failure to build sustainable systems to end hunger.”

Despite the grim assessment, Kukah urged Nigerians not to lose hope, calling on citizens to remain faithful and take responsibility for rebuilding society.

“We may be struck down, but we cannot be destroyed,” he said.

He emphasised the need for collective effort, warning against apathy. “Let us not surrender to despair… we could become guilty bystanders.”

The bishop concluded with a message of hope rooted in faith, urging Nigerians to combine prayer with action.

“The boat of our nation is threatening to sink… yet the Lord can command the storm to be still,” he said.

“We pray, but we must also work hard.”

Kukah’s message comes as Nigerians celebrate Easter amid persistent insecurity and economic hardship, with growing calls for urgent reforms to steer the country out of crisis.