Sokoto: Army denies claims of attack on Kukah, cathedral

By Lawrence Agbo

The Nigerian Army, through its 8 Division in Sokoto, has dismissed reports alleging an attack on the residence of Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral, describing the claim as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, the military said the viral Facebook post suggesting an armed assault was unfounded.

According to the Army, there was no such incident in Sokoto, adding that both the bishop’s residence and the cathedral remain safe. It noted that Bishop Kukah is currently carrying out his Easter activities without disruption.

“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 also assured residents that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful Easter celebration, stressing its continued collaboration with other security agencies to maintain safety across the state.

Similarly, the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto refuted the report, describing it as false and malicious. The Diocese, in a statement by its Director of Communications, Pascal Salifu, said the video accompanying the claim was recycled from events following the 2022 killing of Deborah Yakubu.

“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.

It reaffirmed that the bishop’s residence, the cathedral, and other church facilities remain secure and fully operational, while expressing appreciation to the military and security agencies for their swift response.