MAKURDI, Benue State — The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the indefinite closure of four Church-owned institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, citing repeated attacks, arson and persistent security concerns that it says have put the lives of students, healthcare workers, priests and other personnel at risk.

The directive, which took effect on October 12, 2026, was announced in a pastoral letter and decree issued by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. William A. Avenya. The document was 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, all located in Ihugh.

According to the Diocese, the closure will remain in force until it is satisfied that lasting peace and credible security guarantees have been established.

Diocese Cites Repeated Attacks
In the decree, the Diocese identified the burning of students’ hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School on October 28, 2025, May 10, May 15 and October 11, 2026, among the incidents informing its decision.

It also reported repeated burglary incidents at St. Winifred Parish and criminal incidents at St. Thomas Hospital.

The document further recalled events surrounding the reopening of St. Thomas Hospital on June 21, 2024, when members of the Ihugh community reportedly displayed placards and chanted slogans indicating opposition to the continued presence of the Reverend Sisters.

The Diocese said it had pursued dialogue and reconciliation with the host community, traditional rulers, community elders, government officials and security authorities. However, it maintained that these efforts had not produced the conditions necessary for the safe operation of the institutions.

The reported incidents and the circumstances surrounding them could not be independently established from the decree alone.

Priests and Workers to Be Withdrawn
Under the directive, priests serving as parish priests, assistant priests, chaplains, principals, administrators and in other capacities in Ihugh are to withdraw from their assignments.

Consecrated persons, catechists, pastoral workers and lay mission partners deployed by the Diocese are also affected. Teaching, medical, administrative and other staff employed by the Diocese are to be redeployed, reassigned or otherwise provided for through the appropriate diocesan offices.

The decree prohibits anyone from returning to the affected posts or exercising ministry on behalf of the Diocese in Ihugh without the Bishop’s express written authorisation.

It also directs the protection of diocesan property and the transfer of parish registers and archives to the Diocesan Archives. Sacred objects and the Blessed Sacrament are to be removed and secured under the direction of the relevant diocesan authorities.

Implications for Students and Patients
The closure raises immediate questions about access to education, healthcare, employment and religious services in Ihugh.

The Diocese said efforts would be made to minimise disruption. Students at the two St. Winifred schools are to be assisted, as far as possible, to continue their education in other Catholic schools within the Diocese. Further details are expected from the Director of Catholic Education Services.

Patients receiving treatment at St. Thomas Hospital are to be referred and handed over to other health facilities, with particular attention to those requiring urgent medical attention.

The Diocese also pledged to treat affected workers with justice and charity, in accordance with Church teaching on the dignity of labour.
The practical impact will depend on the availability of alternative schools, hospital capacity, referral arrangements and the redeployment of affected personnel.

Bishop Calls for Peace and Reconciliation

Bishop Avenya appealed to community leaders, traditional rulers, youth leaders, government officials and security agencies to work towards restoring peace and ensuring that those responsible for the reported attacks are brought to justice.

He stressed that the decision was not motivated by hatred or vengeance and that the Diocese held no ill will towards innocent members of the community.

The Bishop said the Diocese could reconsider its return when there was genuine repentance, restitution, a firm commitment to peace and credible assurances of lasting security for its personnel and properties.

As part of the reconciliation effort, he directed parishes across the Diocese to offer prayers and Holy Mass for peace, encouraged families to pray the Rosary, and declared Friday, October 23, 2026, a day of prayer and fasting.

What Happens Next?

The closure places responsibility on relevant stakeholders to address the reported security concerns while protecting residents’ access to essential services.

The Benue State Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community representatives and Church authorities have important roles in establishing the facts, preventing further attacks and pursuing a peaceful resolution.

For residents of Ihugh, the immediate priorities are continuity of education and healthcare, the protection of lives and property, and a credible process for restoring confidence among the affected parties.

The Diocese has not declared the closure permanent. However, its return to Ihugh will depend on whether the security and reconciliation conditions outlined in the decree can be achieved.

Benue Info-pedia will continue to follow developments surrounding the closure, including official responses, alternative arrangements for students and patients, and efforts to restore peace in Ihugh.