The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has dismissed the claim that the residence of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, alongside the Cathedral and a N1 billion Catholic Pastoral Centre, have been set ablaze.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Diocese clarified that all the facilities mentioned in the video remain safe, intact, and fully operational.

The statement, signed by the Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Pascal Salifu, described a viral video used for circulating the claim as the handiwork of individuals bent on causing panic and destabilizing society.

“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 read.

According to the Diocese, the video began trending in the aftermath of the 2022 killing of Deborah Yakubu, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, suggesting it was being recirculated to inflame tensions.

The Bishop, the statement added, expressed appreciation to the military and state security agencies for their swift response upon the emergence of the video.

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

The Diocese further reassured residents that Sokoto remains calm and peaceful, urging the public to disregard the false claims.

It also conveyed Bishop Kukah’s goodwill message to the faithful and the general public ahead of the 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. (Daily Trust)