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The Nigerian Army, 8 Division, Sokoto, has dismissed a social media report alleging an attack on the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral.
In a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, on Saturday, the Army described the report circulating on Facebook as misleading and unfounded.
“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 reported an armed attack on the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, as well as the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral.
“We categorically debunk these unfounded claims as there was no such attack in Sokoto State,” the statement read.
The Army added that the bishop’s residence and the cathedral remain safe, noting that Bishop Kukah is currently carrying out his Easter duties without disruption.
It also assured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure a peaceful Easter celebration across its area of responsibility.
Osoba said the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, remained committed to the safety of residents across the state.
In a related development, the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto also dismissed the report, describing it as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Director of Communications of the Diocese, Mr Pascal Salifu, the Church said the video accompanying the claim began circulating after 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,” the statement added.
The diocese also conveyed Bishop Kukah’s Easter goodwill message to the faithful and residents, wishing them a joyful and grace-filled celebration. It further appreciated the military and other security agencies for their swift response after the circulation of the false video.
