Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Benue State has ordered the indefinite closure of four church-owned institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, and withdrawn its priests, religious sisters and other personnel following repeated attacks on its facilities.
The decision, announced in a pastoral letter and decree dated Monday, October 12, 2026, was signed by the Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev. William Avenya, and the diocesan chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende.
The affected institutions are St. Winifred Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Thomas Hospital, including its Salus Mind Care Centre and chaplaincy, and St. Winifred Parish.
The diocese said the decision followed repeated incidents of arson, burglary, destruction of church property and alleged harassment of its personnel, which it said had made it increasingly difficult to guarantee the safety of students, workers, patients and pastoral staff.
A major concern was the repeated burning of student hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School. According to the diocese, the hostels were set ablaze on October 28, 2025, May 10, May 15 and October 11, 2026.
The attacks reportedly destroyed students’ accommodation and placed the lives of students, teachers and other workers at risk.
The diocese also cited repeated burglaries at St. Winifred Parish and criminal incidents at St. Thomas Hospital.
It further recalled disturbances during the reopening of St. Thomas Hospital on June 21, 2024, when some residents allegedly displayed placards and chanted slogans demanding that Reverend Sisters leave the community.
Bishop Avenya said the church had made several attempts to resolve the disagreements through dialogue with community leaders, traditional rulers, elders, government officials and security agencies.
However, he said those efforts had failed to produce lasting peace or credible assurances that church personnel and properties would be protected.
The bishop explained that the decision was necessary because the diocese could no longer continue exposing its workers and the people who depended on its services to danger.
Under the directive, priests, consecrated persons, catechists, pastoral workers, teachers, medical personnel and administrative staff serving in the affected institutions are to withdraw or be redeployed. No personnel may resume duties or exercise ministry on behalf of the diocese in Ihugh without the bishop’s written authorisation.
The diocese said it would assist students of the affected schools to continue their education in other Catholic institutions, where possible. Patients receiving treatment at St. Thomas Hospital would also be referred to alternative health facilities.
Affected staff are to be redeployed or otherwise provided for through the appropriate diocesan offices.
Despite the closures, the bishop stressed that the decision was not intended as a permanent break with the community. He said the diocese remained open to returning if there was genuine repentance, restitution, a firm commitment to peace and credible, lasting assurances of safety for its personnel and properties.
The diocese also called on traditional rulers, community elders, youth leaders, government officials and security agencies to help restore peace and ensure that those responsible for the attacks were brought to justice.
As part of efforts towards reconciliation, the diocese declared Friday, October 23, 2026, a day of prayer and fasting, urging Catholic faithful to pray for peace in Ihugh and other communities.
The shutdown is expected to affect access to education, healthcare and pastoral services in the community while the diocese awaits conditions it considers safe enough for its return.
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