The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has denied allegations that suspected Islamists in the state set fire to Bishop Matthew Kukah’s home, the Sokoto Cathedral, and a ₦1 billion Catholic Pastoral Center.
It was known that Kukah’s home had been attacked, according to a widely shared video on social media.
However, the Diocese claimed that no such occurrence happened in an official statement released on Saturday.
The Diocese reassured the public that the Catholic Pastoral Center and the Cathedral are still secure, undamaged, and fully functional in a statement issued by Rev. Fr. Pascal Salifu, Director of Communications.
According to Salifu, the video reappeared because of increased sensitivities after Deborah Yakubu, a student at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, was killed in May 2022.
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The Diocese claims that the video’s dissemination is the product of people determined to spread fear and undermine social harmony.
The statement restated that the Catholic Pastoral Center in Sokoto, the Bishop’s home, and the Cathedral are all still secure, undamaged, and fully functional.
The Diocese also praised the military’s and other security agencies’ quick action when the fake video surfaced.
It also informed locals that Sokoto is still serene and tranquil, advising them to ignore false information and trust reliable sources.
In preparation, the Bishop sent greetings to all inhabitants and the Christian faithful, wishing them a happy and gracious Easter.
