The Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Benue State has ordered the indefinite closure of four Church-owned institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, following repeated attacks, arson and alleged acts of hostility against its facilities.
The Diocese has also directed priests, consecrated persons and other pastoral workers serving in the community to withdraw until lasting peace and credible security guarantees are established.
The directive, issued by the Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev. William A. Avenya, took effect on October 12, 2026.
According to a pastoral letter and decree signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende, the affected institutions are St. Winifred Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Thomas Hospital, including Salus Mind Care Center and the hospital chaplaincy, and St. Winifred Parish.
The Diocese said the decision followed a series of security incidents that had threatened the lives and safety of students, teachers, healthcare workers, priests and other personnel.
Among the incidents cited was the repeated burning of students’ hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School on October 28, 2025, May 10, May 15 and October 11, 2026.
The decree also identified persistent burglary incidents at St. Winifred Parish and repeated criminal incidents at St. Thomas Hospital.
He said the Diocese had made several attempts to resolve the disputes through dialogue and reconciliation, engaging community leaders, traditional rulers, elders, government officials and security agencies.
However, the efforts had failed to produce the peace and security necessary for the institutions to continue operating safely.
Teaching and non-teaching staff, alongside medical and administrative personnel employed by the Diocese, will be redeployed or reassigned through the appropriate diocesan offices.
The decree further prohibits anyone from returning to the affected positions or performing ministry on behalf of the Diocese in Ihugh without the bishop’s express written authorisation.
It also directs that Church properties be secured, parish registers and archives transferred to the Diocesan Archives, and the Blessed Sacrament, sacred vessels and other religious objects moved to safe locations under the supervision of the Vicar General and the Diocesan Chancery.
Students, Patients to Receive AssistanceDespite the indefinite closure, the Diocese said it would take steps to minimise the impact of the decision on students, patients and affected workers.
It said students of St. Winifred Secondary School and St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School would, as far as possible, be assisted to continue their education in other Catholic schools within the Diocese.
Patients receiving treatment at St. Thomas Hospital will also be referred to other healthcare facilities, with particular attention given to those requiring urgent medical attention.
The Diocese assured affected workers that their welfare would be addressed with justice and charity, in accordance with the Church’s teachings on the dignity of labour.
