The Catholic Church on Sunday confirmed attacks on two churches during the mayhem that took place in Sokoto on Saturday.
The church however debunked media reports that the residence of the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Mathew Kukah was burnt down.
A statement made available to the NPO Reports on Sunday said rather than burn down Kukah’s residence, hoodlums which were mostly youths backed by some adults, damaged damaged two churches, a community bus and a few other items.
The statement titled “Current Development in Sokoto” and signed by Rev. Fr. Christopher A. Omotosba.
Director, Directorate of Social Communications Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, acknowledged that the Sokoto State Government has declared 24-hours curfew to help stem the ongoing protests.
“During the protest, groups of youths led by some adults in the background attacked the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral at Bello Way, destroying church glass windows, those of the Bishop Lawton Secretariat and vandalized a community bus parked within the premises. St. Kevin’s Catholic Church Gidan Dere, Eastern By-pass, was also attacked and party burnt; windows of the new hospital complex under construction, in the same premises were shattered.”
The statement added that the hoodlums were promptly dispersed by a team of Mobile Policemen before they could do further damage.
It said, “The hoodlums also attacked the Bakhita Centre located along Aliyu Jodi Road and burnt down a bus within the premises.”
The statement also said quoted In a reaction, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Kukah as commending the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal for acting promptly by declaring the 24-hour curfew to stem the protests.
“He also commended the security forces for promptly risking to the occasion to prevent further damage at our facilities.
“In all, no life was lost.
“Contrary to information in circulation, we wish to disclaim that there was an attack of any sort on the residence of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.”
The Bishop appeals to Christians to remain law abiding and pray for the return of normalcy.
It said all Masses in Sokoto metropolis have been suspended until the curfew is lifted.
Students of Shehu Shagari College of Education had killed and burnt the remains of fellow student Deborah Samuel Yakubu on Thursday accusing her of blasphemy.
They had overpowered security men who tried to save her from the killing.