The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the temporary closure of its institutions in Ihugh community, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, following repeated attacks on church-owned facilities and unsuccessful efforts to secure lasting protection.
The directive affects St Winifred Girls Secondary School, St Thomas Hospital, St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, and St Winifred Parish, all located in Ihugh. The diocese has also ordered the withdrawal of pastoral agents from the community.
Ihugh is the home community of Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia.
The decision was communicated in a letter signed by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, Most Reverend William Avenya, and the diocesan chancellor, Reverend Father Marcellinus Wende. Titled “On the Temporary Closure of Catholic Institutions and the Withdrawal of Pastoral Agents from Ihugh,” the letter attributed the action to repeated attacks on Catholic institutions in the area since 2024.
Among the incidents listed were the burning of students’ hostels at St Winifred Secondary School on October 28, 2025, and May 10, May 15 and October 11, 2026.
The diocese also cited repeated burglaries at St Winifred Parish and criminal incidents at St Thomas Hospital.
Another incident mentioned in the letter occurred on June 21, 2024, during the reopening of the hospital. According to the diocese, some individuals displayed placards and chanted slogans demanding that the Reverend Sisters should no longer work in the community.
The church authorities said they had attempted to resolve the situation before ordering the closures. Their efforts reportedly included meetings with members of the host community, engagements with traditional rulers and community elders, and presentations of their grievances to relevant civil and security authorities.
“Sadly, these sincere efforts have not yielded the peace, security and guarantees that the continued presence of our institutions requires,” the letter stated.
The diocese said it would make arrangements to limit the disruption to essential services. Students attending the affected primary and secondary schools would be assisted in transferring to other Catholic schools within the diocese, while patients who relied on St Thomas Hospital would be referred to alternative health facilities.
When contacted, Bishop Avenya confirmed the letter and said activities had been suspended in the community.
The closure raises concerns about the effects of repeated attacks on access to education, healthcare and religious services. The diocese’s decision places responsibility on the relevant authorities and community stakeholders to address the security concerns and establish conditions under which the institutions can safely resume operations.
