BREAKING: Benue Catholic Diocese Shuts School, Hospital Over Repeated Attacks
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 its facilities, including the burning of school hostels.
The diocese also ordered the withdrawal of priests, religious personnel, teachers, healthcare workers and other staff from the area over persistent security concerns.
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.
According to the letter, students’ hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School, Ihugh, were set ablaze on four occasions: October 28, 2025, May 10 and 15, 2026, and October 11, 2026.
Bishop Avenya said the repeated attacks had destroyed property, threatened lives and undermined the safety of students and staff.
He added that other church facilities had also suffered security breaches, citing repeated burglaries at St. Winifred Parish and criminal incidents at St. Thomas Hospital.
The bishop further recalled an incident on June 21, 2024, during the reopening of St. Thomas Hospital, when some community members allegedly protested against the presence of Reverend Sisters in the area.
Avenya said the diocese had held several peace meetings with traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials and security agencies, but the engagements had failed to resolve the situation.
He said the diocese could no longer guarantee the safety of its personnel and those who depend on its institutions.
The affected facilities 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 diocese said students would be assisted to continue their education in other Catholic schools, while patients receiving treatment at St. Thomas Hospital would be referred to other healthcare facilities. Affected staff would also be redeployed.
The closures will remain in force indefinitely, the diocese stated, describing the decision as a necessary response to persistent attacks and growing concerns over the safety of its personnel and the wider community.
