The Executive Director of the Kukah Centre, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo, has shared details of his recent conversation with Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah regarding the controversy surrounding former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Fr. Barkindo said Bishop Kukah views the current situation as a divine opportunity for Nigeria to confront its most difficult national challenges and engage in long-overdue conversations about unity, justice, and governance.
“I mentioned it to Bishop Kukah, and he told me this period is a God-given moment for Nigeria,” Barkindo said. “It’s a time for us to have the hard conversations we’ve always avoided — such as whether a secular nation like Nigeria should have two sets of laws, the Constitution and the Sharia, or one that applies equally to all citizens.”
The cleric also spoke about the suffering caused by persistent conflict, recounting how many churches now host displaced persons who struggle to survive. “You cannot preach in the name of Jesus and walk away leaving people in hunger and despair,” he said, expressing deep concern over the humanitarian impact of Nigeria’s prolonged insecurity.
Fr. Barkindo urged Nigerians to remain calm amid Trump’s comments and possible threat of U.S. military intervention, stressing that the focus should not be on the “technical definition of genocide” but rather on addressing the root causes of violence and the continuous loss of lives.
He explained that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorism in Nigeria and noted that if the intention of the Trump administration is to help Nigeria eliminate terrorist groups, the outcome could benefit all citizens.
“The government has failed to end insurgency for 15 years. So, if the U.S. is genuinely coming to help take out terrorists, everyone stands to gain,” Barkindo stated.
He, however, warned that Nigeria risks wasting a rare chance for reform if citizens and leaders treat this moment as just another fleeting debate. “This is an important time. People are talking across markets, homes, and online spaces. But if we fail to take decisive action now, we may lose a valuable opportunity to rebuild our country,” he added.
