The Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Benue State has ordered the indefinite closure of its institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, following repeated attacks, arson and destruction of church properties.
The diocese also announced the withdrawal of its priests, consecrated persons, catechists, teachers, medical personnel and administrative staff from the community, citing persistent security threats and the failure of previous efforts to restore lasting peace.
The decision was contained in a pastoral letter and decree dated October 12, 2026, issued by the Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. William Avenya.
According to the bishop, the decision followed years of alleged hostility against Catholic institutions in Ihugh, including four separate fire incidents that destroyed hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School between October 2025 and October 2026.
Avenya identified the incidents as occurring on October 28, 2025, May 10 and 15, 2026, and October 11, 2026.
He also raised concerns over persistent burglaries at St. Winifred Parish and repeated attacks on St. Thomas Hospital.
The bishop recalled disturbances during the reopening of the hospital on June 21, 2024, when some individuals reportedly declared that they no longer wanted Reverend Sisters working in the community.
Dialogue Efforts Fail to Restore Peace
Avenya said the diocese had made several attempts to resolve the crisis through dialogue and engagement with traditional rulers, community elders, civil authorities and security agencies.
However, he noted that the interventions had failed to produce lasting peace or provide credible assurances that Catholic personnel and properties would be safe in the area.
The bishop said the continued incidents had made it increasingly difficult for the diocese to sustain its educational, healthcare and pastoral activities in Ihugh.
Consequently, the diocese resolved to suspend operations across the affected institutions and withdraw its personnel indefinitely.
Schools, Hospital and Parish Affected
The institutions affected by the directive include St. Winifred Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Winifred Parish and St. Thomas Hospital.
The closure also covers the hospital’s Salus Mind Care Centre and its chaplaincy services.
In addition to shutting down the institutions, the diocese directed the withdrawal of all priests, consecrated persons, catechists, teachers, medical personnel and administrative workers serving under its authority in Ihugh.
The sweeping measures are expected to affect education, healthcare delivery and religious services in the community.
Diocese Announces Measures to Protect Students and Patients
Despite the decision to suspend operations, the bishop said steps would be taken to reduce the impact on residents who depend on the affected institutions.
Students enrolled in the Catholic schools would be assisted in continuing their education at other Catholic schools, while patients receiving care at St. Thomas Hospital would be referred to alternative healthcare facilities.
Avenya also assured affected employees that they would be redeployed, with due consideration for justice and charity.
The measures are intended to ensure continuity of education and access to medical care despite the indefinite suspension of the diocese’s activities in the community.
Bishop Leaves Door Open for Return
Describing the decision as painful but necessary, Avenya expressed appreciation to the priests, religious personnel and lay workers who continued serving in Ihugh despite the dangers and personal sacrifices involved.
He stressed that the withdrawal was not necessarily permanent, indicating that the diocese could reconsider its decision if the conditions required for a safe return were met.
According to the bishop, any return would depend on genuine repentance, restitution and credible assurances of safety for the Church’s personnel and institutions.
The conditions underscore the diocese’s position that reconciliation must be accompanied by concrete steps to address the alleged hostility and destruction of properties.
October 23 Declared Day of Prayer and Fasting
As part of efforts to seek reconciliation and lasting peace, the bishop declared October 23 a day of prayer and fasting.
He urged Catholic parishes to pray for peace in Ihugh and for a resolution to the crisis affecting the community.
The declaration comes as the diocese suspends its activities in the area after repeated incidents that it says have undermined the safety of its personnel and the continued operation of its institutions.
The indefinite closure of the schools, parish and hospital marks a significant development for residents of Ihugh, particularly students and patients who rely on the Church’s educational and healthcare services.
The diocese has indicated that its return will depend on genuine repentance, restitution and credible guarantees that its personnel and properties will be protected.