Catholic Diocese Denies Reports of Attack on Bishop Kukah's Residence and Facilities

The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has firmly denied any reports suggesting that the home of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, along with the local Cathedral and a significant Catholic Pastoral Centre valued at N1 billion, have been subjected to an arson attack. In a statement released on Saturday, the Diocese affirmed that all the mentioned facilities remain secure, undamaged, and fully functional.

The statement, authenticated by the Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Pascal Salifu, identified a viral video accompanying these claims as the product of individuals seeking to generate fear and cause societal instability.

"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 clarified.

The Diocese indicated that the video began circulating widely after the 2022 incident involving Deborah Yakubu, a student at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, suggesting it was being re-shared to escalate tensions.

Furthermore, the statement noted that Bishop Kukah expressed his gratitude to the military and state security agencies for their prompt intervention upon the appearance of the fabricated video.

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

It also reassured the public that Sokoto is experiencing a period of calm and peace, urging everyone to disregard the baseless assertions.

Additionally, the Diocese conveyed Bishop Kukah's warm wishes to the faithful and the general public in anticipation of the upcoming Easter celebrations.

"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.