Sokoto: The Nigerian Army, 8 Division, Sokoto, has debunked a social media report alleging an attack on the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral.
Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, issued this statement on Saturday in Sokoto.
Osoba called the report circulating on Facebook unfounded and misleading, reiterating that no attack occurred.
“The attention of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has been drawn to a misleading social media post.
The post falsely claimed an armed attack on Bishop Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral.
“We categorically debunk these unfounded claims, as there was no such attack in Sokoto State.
“The safety and security of Bishop Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral remain intact. Bishop Kukah is currently fulfilling his Easter duties without any disruption,” he said.
Osoba stated that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
He affirmed that they have put adequate security measures in place to guarantee a peaceful Easter celebration within the division’s Area of Responsibility (AoR).
Similarly, the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto also dismissed the report, calling it false and unfounded.
In a statement issued by Mr Pascal Salifu, the Diocese’s Director of Communications, the Church described the report as false and misleading.
The statement explained that the video accompanying the claim began circulating following the murder of Deborah Yakubu in May 2022.
“This is the work of persons committed to causing havoc in society.
“We wish to inform the general public that the information is totally false. The Bishop’s residence, the Cathedral, and the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Sokoto remain safe, intact and fully operational,” it added.
The diocese extended Bishop Kukah’s goodwill messages to the faithful and other residents, wishing them a joyful and grace-filled Easter celebration.
It also thanked the military and other security agencies for their prompt response following the circulation of the false video.