Army Dismiss Alleged Attack On Bishop Kukah’s Residence, Sokoto Cathedral

The Nigerian Army, 8 Division, Sokoto, has dismissed a viral social media report alleging an attack on the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral, describing it as false and unfounded.

.....

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said the claim circulating on Facebook was misleading and did not reflect the true situation in the state.

Osoba said the attention of the Army had been drawn to the report, which falsely claimed that armed men attacked both the residence of the Catholic bishop and the cathedral.

“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,” he said.

“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 Army assured residents that Bishop Kukah’s residence and the cathedral remain safe, adding that the cleric is currently carrying out his Easter activities without any disruption.

It further stated that adequate security measures had been put in place to guarantee a peaceful Easter celebration across the state.

Osoba noted that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, remained committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property.

In a related development, the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto also dismissed the report, describing it as false and intended to cause panic.

In a statement signed by the Director of Communications of the Diocese, Pascal Salifu, the Church clarified that the video attached to the claim was an old clip that resurfaced online.

“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 statement read.

“The Bishop’s residence, the Cathedral, and the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Sokoto remain safe, intact and fully operational.”

The Diocese explained that the video began circulating again after the murder of Deborah Yakubu in May 2022, warning the public against spreading unverified information capable of inciting tension.

The Diocese also conveyed Bishop Kukah’s Easter goodwill message to Christians and residents, wishing them a joyful and grace-filled celebration.

It further commended the military and other security agencies for their prompt response following the circulation of the false report, urging the public to remain calm and law-abiding.