On Saturday, the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Matthew Hassan-Kukah, expressed that the ongoing violence in Plateau State transcends mere clashes between herders and farmers. He emphasized that the perpetrators aspire to shape Nigeria in line with their own ideology through these killings.
In his statement, Kukah highlighted that there’s an active assault against Nigeria orchestrated by the country’s adversaries. He urged the government to counter the aims of these marauders and safeguard the populace.
The outspoken clergyman vehemently denounced the recent assaults by terrorists on communities within the Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Christmas Eve. Reports indicate that these attacks have resulted in over 200 casualties and the destruction of numerous homes and farmlands.
Kukah characterized these terrorists as “sons of Satan” for their deliberate extinguishing of the Christmas joy for countless individuals in Plateau.
“We may pretend that we are not at war, but truly, a war is being waged against the Nigerian state and its people. God forbid, but we could snap anytime, anywhere and for any reason,” he said.
“We have questions crying for answers: Who are these killers? Where are they coming from? Who is sponsoring them? What are their grouses and against whom? What do they want? Whom do they want? Who are they working for? When will it all end? Why are they invincible and invisible? Who is offering them cover?
“ 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.”
Kukah added that the military cannot continue to suffer intelligence failure.