The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has refuted reports claiming that the residence of Matthew Kukah, along with the Sokoto Cathedral and a ₦1 billion Catholic Pastoral Centre, was set ablaze by suspected ইসলামist attackers.
The clarification follows a viral video circulating on social media, which alleged that the Bishop’s residence had been targeted.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Diocese firmly dismissed the claim, stressing that no such incident took place.
The statement, signed by the Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Pascal Salifu, assured the public that the Cathedral, the Bishop’s residence, and the Catholic Pastoral Centre remain safe, intact, and fully functional.
Salifu explained that the video resurfaced amid heightened sensitivities linked to the 2022 killing of Deborah Yakubu, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto.
He described the spread of the footage as a deliberate attempt by certain individuals to incite panic and disrupt public peace.
“The Bishop’s residence, the Cathedral, and the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Sokoto remain safe, intact, and fully operational,” the statement reiterated.
The Diocese also praised the swift intervention of security agencies, including the military, for responding promptly after the video emerged.
Residents were reassured that the situation in Sokoto remains calm, with the Diocese urging the public to ignore the misinformation and rely on verified sources.
Bishop Kukah also extended goodwill messages to Christians and residents, wishing them a peaceful and grace-filled Easter celebration.