By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that the residence of Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral were attacked by armed assailants.
The clarification was issued by the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, following a viral Facebook post that claimed the bishop’s residence and the cathedral had come under attack in Sokoto State.
In a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the Army described the report as misleading and entirely false.
“The attention of 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA has been drawn to a misleading social media post circulating on Facebook, which falsely reported an armed attack on the residence of His Lordship, Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral,” the statement said.
Osoba stated that the Army categorically debunks the claim, emphasizing that no such attack occurred anywhere in the state.
“We categorically debunk these unfounded claims as there was no such attack in Sokoto State. The safety and security of Bishop Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral remain intact,” he said.
According to the statement, Bishop Kukah is currently carrying out his Easter religious obligations without any disruption.
“Bishop Kukah is currently fulfilling his Easter duties without any disruption,” the Army added.
The 8 Division further assured residents that it is working closely with other security agencies to maintain peace and stability across the state.
The Army stressed that adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure residents celebrate the Easter period peacefully across areas under its responsibility.
“The Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Sokoto State and our entire area of responsibility,” the statement said.
It added that robust security measures have already been activated to guarantee a peaceful and secure Easter celebration across communities in the state.
