The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has dismissed claims that the residence of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, along with the Cathedral and a N1 billion Catholic Pastoral Centre, was set ablaze.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Diocese clarified that all the facilities referenced in the viral video remain safe, intact, and fully operational.
The statement, signed by the Director of Communications, Rev. Fr Pascal Salifu, described the video as misleading and the handiwork of individuals intent on creating panic and destabilising society.
“Our attention has been drawn to a misleading and false video currently circulating online with the caption: ‘Breaking!!! Bishop Kukah’s house, Cathedral, and 1 billion Naira Catholic Pastoral Centre set ablaze by Islamists in Sokoto.’
“We wish to inform the general public that this information is entirely false,” the statement said.
According to the Diocese, the video began trending in the aftermath of the 2022 killing of Deborah Yakubu, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, suggesting that it is being recirculated to inflame tensions.
The Diocese added that the Bishop expressed appreciation to the military and other security agencies for their swift response following the emergence of the video.
“The Bishop’s residence, the Cathedral and the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Sokoto remain safe, intact and fully operational,” it stated.
The Diocese further reassured residents that Sokoto remains calm and peaceful, urging the public to disregard the false claims.
It also conveyed Bishop Kukah’s goodwill message to the faithful and the wider public ahead of the Easter celebrations.
“He extends his warm greetings and goodwill to all the faithful and people of goodwill and wishes everyone a joyful and grace-filled Easter in advance,” the statement added.
