Nigeria, Dec. 25 -- The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, reconciliation and hope despite the wave of killings, abductions and insecurity across the country.

In his 2025 Christmas message titled "Joy and Hope in a Time of Tribulation," Bishop Kukah lamented that while Christmas is traditionally a season of joy, Nigeria remains trapped in what he described as "a valley of violence and sorrow," marked by widespread bloodshed and human suffering.

He noted that insecurity, poverty and poor leadership have deepened despair among citizens but urged Nigerians not to lose faith, stressing that the birth of Christ symbolises light in the midst of darkness.

"Despite it all, Emmanue...