The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the indefinite closure of a secondary school, hospital and other church institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, following repeated attacks on church properties and the burning of school hostels. The diocese also ordered the withdrawal of priests, religious personnel, teachers, medical workers and other staff serving in the area over persistent security concerns.
The Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. William A. Avenya, and the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende, announced the decision in a pastoral letter and decree dated October 12, 2026. The letter cited four separate incidents in which students’ hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School, Ihugh, were reportedly burnt on October 28, 2025, May 10, 2026, May 15, 2026, and October 11, 2026.
According to the bishop, the repeated attacks had destroyed property, threatened lives and undermined the safety of students, teachers and other personnel. “Over a considerable period, the Catholic institutions in Ihugh have suffered repeated disturbances, attacks and acts of destruction,” Avenya said in the letter. He added that the incidents had destroyed accommodation provided for students, wiped out years of investment and placed the lives and safety of those within the institutions at grave risk.
The bishop said the attacks extended beyond the school, citing repeated burglary incidents at St. Winifred Parish and criminal incidents at St. Thomas Hospital, Ihugh. He also recalled an incident during the reopening of St. Thomas Hospital on June 21, 2024, when members of the community allegedly displayed placards and chanted slogans demanding the withdrawal of Reverend Sisters from the area.
According to the diocese, the incidents formed a pattern of hostility towards church-owned properties, leaving workers and beneficiaries fearful and uncertain about their safety. Avenya said the diocese had held several peace meetings with traditional rulers, community elders, civil authorities and security agencies in an attempt to resolve the disputes. However, he said the engagements had failed to produce the desired results, adding that the safety of church personnel and beneficiaries could no longer be guaranteed.
The institutions affected by the closure include St. Winifred Secondary School, St. Thomas Hospital, Salus Mind Care Centre and Hospital Chaplaincy, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, and St. Winifred Parish, Ihugh. The bishop said the closures would remain in force indefinitely, while pastoral agents and other personnel serving under the diocese would be withdrawn from the area.
He added that students of the affected schools would be assisted to continue their education in other Catholic institutions, while patients receiving treatment at St. Thomas Hospital would be referred to other hospitals. Staff affected by the decision would also be redeployed to other locations, he said. The diocese said the decision was taken in response to the repeated attacks and concerns over the safety of its personnel and the people who depend on its educational, healthcare and pastoral services.
