The Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Benue State has indefinitely closed its schools, healthcare facilities and parish in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, following repeated attacks on church properties and growing concerns over the safety of staff and students.
The decision was announced in a pastoral letter and decree dated October 12, 2026, signed by the Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. William A. Avenya, and the diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende.
The diocese also ordered the withdrawal of priests, religious personnel, teachers, medical workers and other staff from the affected facilities, explaining that it could no longer guarantee their safety.
According to the pastoral letter, St. Winifred Secondary School in Ihugh suffered four separate incidents of arson involving students’ hostels between October 2025 and October 2026.
The incidents reportedly occurred on October 28, 2025; May 10 and May 15, 2026; and October 11, 2026.
Bishop Avenya expressed concern over the repeated attacks, stating that Catholic institutions in the community had endured persistent disturbances, destruction of property and other acts of hostility over an extended period.
He explained that the attacks had destroyed students’ accommodation and damaged investments made in the institutions over several years. The incidents also exposed students, teachers and other workers to serious danger.
The bishop further cited repeated burglaries at St. Winifred Parish and criminal incidents at St. Thomas Hospital as part of the security challenges affecting the diocese’s operations in Ihugh.
The letter also recalled an incident during the reopening of the hospital on June 21, 2024, when some community members allegedly displayed placards and chanted slogans demanding the withdrawal of Reverend Sisters from the facility.
The diocese said the repeated incidents had created an atmosphere of fear among its workers and members of the community who depend on its educational, medical and pastoral services.
Avenya disclosed that the church authorities had made several attempts to resolve the situation through discussions with traditional rulers, community elders, civil authorities and security agencies.
However, he said the engagements had failed to produce the desired results, leaving the diocese with no option but to suspend operations and withdraw its personnel to protect their lives.
The institutions affected by the closure include St. Winifred Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Thomas Hospital, Salus Mind Care Centre and Hospital Chaplaincy, as well as St. Winifred Parish in Ihugh.
The diocese said the closure would remain in force indefinitely until the situation permitted a safe resumption of activities.
To reduce the impact on students, the church promised to assist those affected in securing placements at other Catholic schools where they could continue their education without unnecessary disruption.
Patients who previously received treatment at St. Thomas Hospital will also be referred to other healthcare facilities for medical attention.
Meanwhile, staff members affected by the shutdown will be redeployed as part of the measures being taken by the diocese.
The church authorities maintained that the decision was necessary to safeguard the lives of their personnel and protect those who rely on the institutions for education, healthcare and spiritual support.
The closure is expected to affect families and residents who depend on the facilities for essential services, particularly students and patients who may now have to seek alternatives outside the affected community.
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