By Atlantic Reports

The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the temporary closure of its schools, hospital and parish in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, citing repeated attacks and threats to the safety of students, patients and workers.

The decision was contained in a pastoral letter and decree dated October 12, signed by the Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev. William Avenya, and the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende.

The affected institutions are St. Winifred Girls Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Thomas Hospital and St. Winifred Parish.

The decree also directed the withdrawal of priests and consecrated persons from the community.

“The Church cannot, in conscience, continue to expose her priests, consecrated persons, teachers, medical personnel, students and patients to danger,” the letter stated.

Diocese Cites Repeated Hostel Fires

According to the diocese, students’ hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School were repeatedly burnt on October 28, 2025; May 10 and May 15, 2026; and October 11, 2026.

The letter also cited recurring burglaries at St. Winifred Parish and criminal incidents at St. Thomas Hospital, describing them as a pattern of hostility towards church-owned institutions.

It recalled that some residents allegedly protested against the continued presence of Reverend Sisters during the hospital’s reopening on June 21, 2024.

These accounts represent the diocese’s allegations. The supplied material does not establish who was responsible for the fires or other incidents, or whether they were connected.

The diocese said it had sought a peaceful resolution through discussions with the host community, traditional rulers, elders, civil authorities and security agencies, but had not secured lasting assurances of safety.

“The attacks have continued, and no assurance of lasting safety has been secured,” the letter stated.

Students and Patients Face Transfers

The closure will interrupt services provided by institutions that the diocese said were established for the benefit of residents, irrespective of religion or origin.

Affected pupils and students will, as far as possible, receive assistance to continue their education at other Catholic schools within the diocese. The Director of Catholic Education Services is expected to provide details of the arrangements.

Patients at St. Thomas Hospital will be referred to other health facilities, with priority given to those needing urgent medical care.

The diocese also pledged to treat affected staff with justice and charity, citing the Church’s teaching on the dignity of labour.

The letter did not specify how many students, patients or workers would be affected, when transfers would be completed, or what support would be available for any additional costs.

Police Begin Investigation

Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Aondogu Orchia, said the command had commenced a full investigation into the fire incident.

He said no life was lost. The police account did not establish responsibility for the fire or confirm the diocese’s allegations concerning earlier incidents.

The diocese urged community leaders, traditional rulers, youth leaders, government officials and security agencies to restore peace and ensure those responsible for attacks were brought to justice.

It stressed that the closure was not intended to condemn innocent residents or encourage hostility towards Ihugh.

“We bear no ill will toward our brothers and sisters, many of whom have known only the good that these institutions brought,” the letter stated.

The diocese said the withdrawal was temporary and that a return could be considered if there was genuine repentance, restitution and lasting assurance of safety for its personnel and property.

It also directed parishes across its jurisdiction to offer prayers and Holy Mass for peace, and designated Friday, October 23, as a day of prayer and fasting for reconciliation.

For families relying on the affected schools and hospital, the immediate concern is continuity of education and care while authorities investigate and efforts to secure the institutions continue.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.