The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has refuted reports claiming that the residence of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Cathedral, and a N1 billion Catholic Pastoral Centre were set on fire.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Diocese confirmed that all facilities remained safe, intact, and fully operational.
The statement, signed by the Director of Communications, Rev. Fr Pascal Salifu, described the viral video circulating online as misleading and designed to create panic and destabilise society.
“Our attention has been drawn to a false video captioned: ‘Breaking!!! Bishop Kukah’s house, Cathedral, and 1 billion Naira Catholic Pastoral Centre set ablaze by Islamists in Sokoto.’
”We wish to inform the public that this information is entirely false,” the statement read.
The Diocese noted that the video resurfaced following the 2022 killing of Deborah Yakubu, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, suggesting that its circulation is intended to inflame tensions.
The statement added that Bishop Kukah expressed gratitude to the military and other security agencies for their prompt response in addressing concerns raised by the video.
“The Bishop’s residence, the Cathedral, and the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Sokoto remain safe, intact, and fully operational,” the Diocese affirmed.
The statement reassured residents that Sokoto remains calm and peaceful, urging the public to disregard the false reports.
The Diocese also conveyed Bishop Kukah’s goodwill message ahead of Easter, wishing the faithful and people of goodwill a joyful and grace-filled celebration.
