The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has dismissed claims that the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah, alongside the Sokoto Cathedral and a ₦1bn Catholic Pastoral Centre, was set ablaze by suspected Islamist in the state.
Naija News understands that a viral video on social media had alleged that Kukah’s residence had been attacked.
However, in an official disclaimer issued on Saturday, the Diocese stated that no such incident occurred.
In the statement signed by the Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Pascal Salifu, the Diocese assured the public that the Cathedral and the Catholic Pastoral Centre remain safe, intact, and fully operational.
Salifu explained that the video resurfaced in the context of heightened sensitivities following the killing of Deborah Yakubu, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, in May 2022.
According to the Diocese, the circulation of the video is the handiwork of individuals bent on causing panic and destabilising the peace in society.
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 commended the swift response of military and other security agencies, who acted promptly upon the emergence of the false video.
It further reassured residents that Sokoto remains calm and peaceful, urging the public to disregard the misinformation and rely on verified sources.
The Bishop extended goodwill messages to the Christian faithful and all residents, wishing them a joyful and grace-filled Easter celebration in advance.
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