The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto and the Nigerian Army have denied claims of an attack on the residence of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, as well as reports that a cathedral and a Catholic Pastoral Centre were set ablaze in Sokoto.
In separate statements on Saturday, the organisations noted that the claims made in the viral video were false.
In a statement signed by the Director of Communication, Rev. Fr. Pascal Salifu, the Diocese said, “Our attention has been drawn to a misleading and false video currently circulating online… We wish to inform the general public that this information is totally false.
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“The Bishop’s residence, the Cathedral, and the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Sokoto remain safe, intact, and fully operational.”
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The Diocese linked the video to past unrest, noting: “This video started circulating in the wake of the brutal murder of Deborah Yakubu… This is the work of persons committed to causing havoc in our society.”
In a statement on Saturday, signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the Army “categorically debunks these unfounded claims,” stressing that “there was no such attack in Sokoto State.”
It added that “the safety and security of Bishop Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral remain intact,” noting that the cleric “is currently fulfilling his Easter duties without any disruption.”
Reassuring residents, the Army said it remains committed to protecting lives and property in collaboration with other security agencies.
“Robust security measures are in place to guarantee a peaceful and secure Easter celebration in our area of responsibility,” the statement added.
