The Nigerian Army has categorically dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media post alleging an armed attack on the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral.

In an official statement issued on Saturday by the 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the military said no such incident occurred in Sokoto State. The claim, which circulated on Facebook, was described as unfounded and fabricated.

“The safety and security of Bishop Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral remain intact,” the statement read. It added that the Bishop is currently carrying out his Easter duties without any disruption.

The Army noted that it had taken note of the misleading report and, in collaboration with other security agencies, confirmed there was no attack anywhere in the state.

The Division reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of all residents in Sokoto State and its area of responsibility. “Robust security measures are in place to guarantee a peaceful and secure Easter celebration,” it said.

The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army / Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Similar clarifications have also been issued by the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, which described circulating videos and reports as attempts to cause panic and destabilise peace in the area. Both the Bishop’s residence, the Cathedral, and related facilities remain safe and operational.

Authorities urged the public to disregard the false information and rely on verified sources during the Easter period.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed the successful containment of two separate fire incidents that occurred overnight in different parts of the state.

The first incident was reported at 22:46 hours on Saturday at Tower Aluminum Village, along Abeokuta Expressway, Dopemu, Agege.

Fire crews from Ikeja and Agege stations responded promptly to the emergency, effectively dousing the fire which affected multiple offices and stores of varying sizes.

The structures, situated on a land area of approximately 2,592 square meters within a premises spanning about four acres, suffered significant damage to affected sections and their contents.

The second incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday at about 03:15 hours at a three-storey commercial building located on Oyabiyi Street, opposite the NLC Office, Tejuosho, Yaba. The building, which housed shops and stores containing stacked textile materials, was engulfed by fire.

Firefighters from Somolu, Ilupeju, and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations were swiftly mobilized to the scene and successfully contained the blaze, preventing further spread to adjoining properties.

In both incidents, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service demonstrated professionalism and rapid response, ensuring that the fires were brought under control without escalation and casualty.

The Controller General of Lagos state fire and rescue reiterates the importance of fire safety precautions and urges members of the public to remain vigilant, especially in commercial areas where flammable materials are stored.

Further investigations into the causes of the fires are ongoing to unravel their causes.

• The Assistant Inspector-General of Police(AIG) in charge of Zone 2 Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, speaking with transporters at Obalende garage, Lagos State, on Wednesday.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has declared that officers must pay fares before boarding commercial vehicles, warning against abuse of authority.

Jimoh spoke on Wednesday at Obalende garage during a sensitisation meeting with drivers and transport workers marking National Police Day 2026.

He stressed that relations between police and the public must be based on partnership, not coercion, urging both sides to support each other voluntarily.

“No police officer has the right to enter your vehicle without paying. We should assist one another willingly, not by force,” he said.

Jimoh called for stronger cooperation to maintain safety and order on roads, insisting there was no conflict between officers and transport unions.

“I don’t collect money from officers. We don’t arrest people arbitrarily. If you have issues with any officer, report directly to me,” he said.

(Vanguard)