The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has dismissed as false a viral video circulating on social media claiming that the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Cathedral, and a Catholic Pastoral Centre in Sokoto were set ablaze by Islamic terrorists.
The Diocese described the video as fabricated and misleading, urging Nigerians to disregard the content and remain calm, while assuring that the state remains peaceful.
Bishop Matthew Kukah also refuted the authenticity of the video, describing it as a troubling falsehood capable of creating unnecessary panic and tension.
In a statement signed by the Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Rev. Fr. Pascal Salifu, the Church clarified that no such incident occurred.
“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 entirely false.”
Fr. Salifu further reassured that all Catholic facilities in the state remain intact and operational.
“The Bishop’s residence, the Cathedral, and the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Sokoto are safe, intact, and fully operational.”
Providing context on the origin of the video, the Diocese explained that the footage is not recent and had previously surfaced following the killing of Deborah Yakubu in 2022.
“This video started circulating after the brutal murder of Deborah Yakubu, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, in Sokoto, in May 2022. It is the work of persons committed to causing chaos in our society.”
The Diocese also disclosed that Bishop Kukah expressed appreciation to security agencies for their swift reaction after the video resurfaced.
“Sokoto remains calm and peaceful. The Bishop extends his warm greetings and good wishes to all the faithful and people of goodwill, and wishes everyone a joyful and grace-filled Easter in advance.”
The Catholic Diocese therefore urged members of the public to verify information before sharing, warning that fake news could heighten tensions and undermine peace in the country.