False Alarm: Catholic Diocese of Sokoto Debunks Viral Attack Video, Assures Public of Safety

The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has dismissed as false and misleading a viral video claiming that the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Cathedral, and a ₦1 billion Catholic Pastoral Centre were set ablaze by Islamists in Sokoto.

In an official disclaimer issued on April 4, 2026, the Diocese clarified that all facilities mentioned in the video remain safe, intact, and fully operational, urging the public to disregard the circulating content.

The statement, signed by the Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Pascal Salifu, explained that the video is not recent and is being deliberately recycled to incite panic and unrest.

According to the Diocese, the footage first surfaced during the unrest that followed the tragic killing of Deborah Yakubu, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, in May 2022. It described the renewed circulation as the handiwork of individuals intent on causing division and chaos within society.

The Diocese commended the swift response of the military and other security agencies for acting promptly to address concerns raised by the video.

Reassuring residents and the wider public, the Diocese stated that Sokoto remains calm and peaceful, with no incidents of violence linked to the claims in the video.

The Bishop also extended goodwill messages to the faithful and all people of goodwill, wishing them a joyful and grace-filled Easter in advance.