The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the indefinite closure of a secondary faculty, hospital and different church establishments in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, following repeated assaults on church properties and the burning of faculty hostels.
The diocese additionally ordered the withdrawal of monks, spiritual personnel, academics, medical employees and different employees serving within the space over persistent safety issues.
The Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. William A. Avenya, and the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende, introduced the choice in a pastoral letter and decree dated October 12, 2026.
The letter cited 4 separate incidents by which college students’ hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School, Ihugh, had been reportedly burnt on October 28, 2025, May 10, 2026, May 15, 2026, and October 11, 2026.
According to the bishop, the repeated assaults had destroyed property, threatened lives and undermined the security of scholars, academics and different personnel.
“Over a considerable period, the Catholic institutions in Ihugh have suffered repeated disturbances, attacks and acts of destruction,” Avenya mentioned within the letter.
He added that the incidents had destroyed lodging offered for college students, worn out years of funding and positioned the lives and security of these throughout the establishments at grave danger.
The bishop mentioned the assaults prolonged past the college, citing repeated housebreaking incidents at St. Winifred Parish and legal incidents at St. Thomas Hospital, Ihugh.
He additionally recalled an incident through the reopening of St. Thomas Hospital on June 21, 2024, when members of the neighborhood allegedly displayed placards and chanted slogans demanding the withdrawal of Reverend Sisters from the realm.
According to the diocese, the incidents shaped a sample of hostility in the direction of church-owned properties, leaving employees and beneficiaries fearful and unsure about their security.
Avenya mentioned the diocese had held a number of peace conferences with conventional rulers, neighborhood elders, civil authorities and safety companies in an try to resolve the disputes.
However, he mentioned the engagements had failed to supply the specified outcomes, including that the security of church personnel and beneficiaries may not be assured.
The establishments affected by the closure embody 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 mentioned the closures would stay in drive indefinitely, whereas pastoral brokers and different personnel serving underneath the diocese could be withdrawn from the realm.
He added that college students of the affected colleges could be assisted to proceed their schooling in different Catholic establishments, whereas sufferers receiving therapy at St. Thomas Hospital could be referred to different hospitals.
Staff affected by the choice would even be redeployed to different places, he mentioned.
The diocese mentioned the choice was taken in response to the repeated assaults and issues over the security of its personnel and the individuals who rely upon its academic, healthcare and pastoral companies.
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