No attack on Kukah’s residence – Catholic Diocese

The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has dismissed claims that the residence of Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Archbishop of the Diocese, alongside the Cathedral and a N1 billion Catholic Pastoral Centre, were set ablaze.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Diocese clarified that all the facilities mentioned in the video remain safe, intact, and fully operational.

The statement, signed by Pascal Salifu, the director of communications of the Diocese described a viral video used for circulating the claim as the handiwork of individuals bent on causing 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 totally false,” the statement read.

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 it was being recirculated to inflame tensions.

The Bishop, the statement added, expressed appreciation to the military and state security agencies for their swift response upon 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 added.

The Diocese however expresses gratitude to the Military and State Security agencies who responded immediately the video started circulating.
“Sokoto remains calm and peaceful.”

The Diocese further reassured residents that Sokoto remains calm and peaceful, urging the public to disregard the false claims.

“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 concluded.