The Catholic Diocese of Gboko, under the leadership of Bishop William Avenya, has ordered the temporary closure of all Catholic institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.
Key Highlights
- Gboko Diocese shuts all Catholic institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya LGA, Benue State.
- Affected: St. Winifred schools and parish, St. Thomas Hospital and Salus Mind Care Center.
- Bishop Avenya cites four arson attacks on student hostels between October 2025 and October 2026.
- Staff to be redeployed, pupils transferred and hospital patients referred elsewhere.
- October 23 declared a day of prayer and fasting for reconciliation.
The Catholic bishop expressed dismay over the persistent destruction of the diocese’s property, saying, “We cannot continue to expose our priests, students, healthcare workers to danger amid repeated attacks on the church and its properties.”
This is contained in a statement made available on Tuesday in Makurdi by the Catholic Diocese of Gboko.
Affected Institutions
Bishop Avenya named the affected institutions as St. Winifred Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Thomas Hospital, Salus Mind Care Center and St. Winifred Parish.
The bishop cited four reported arson attacks on student hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School between October 2025 and October 2026, alongside repeated burglaries at the parish and criminal incidents at the hospital.
He also recalled protests against the presence of religious sisters in Ihugh during the hospital’s reopening in June 2024.
The Catholic bishop said the diocese had engaged community leaders, traditional rulers and security authorities to resolve the disputes, but efforts had failed to secure lasting peace.
“The church cannot, in conscience, continue to expose her priests, consecrated persons, teachers, medical personnel, students and patients to danger,” he said, describing the withdrawal as painful but necessary.
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‘Not A Final Farewell’
The decree directs the withdrawal of diocesan pastoral agents and provides for staff redeployment, the transfer of pupils to other Catholic schools where possible, and the referral of hospital patients to alternative health facilities.
Bishop Avenya said the closure is not a final farewell, leaving open the possibility of a return if there is genuine repentance, restitution and credible, lasting assurances of safety.
He appealed to community leaders, government officials and security agencies to restore peace and bring those responsible for the attacks to justice.
He also designated October 23 as a day of prayer and fasting for reconciliation across the diocese.
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