The Nigerian Army, 8 Division, Sokoto, has dismissed a viral social media report alleging an attack on the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral, describing it as false and unfounded.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said the claim circulating on Facebook was misleading and did not reflect the true situation in the state.
Osoba said the attention of the Army had been drawn to the report, which falsely claimed that armed men attacked both the residence of the Catholic bishop and the cathedral.
“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,” he said.
“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 Army assured residents that Bishop Kukah’s residence and the cathedral remain safe, adding that the cleric is currently carrying out his Easter activities without any disruption.
It further stated that adequate security measures had been put in place to guarantee a peaceful Easter celebration across the state.
