The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the closure of its schools, hospital and parish in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State. This directive marks the first step in the Benue Catholic institutions closure. This follows repeated attacks on church-owned facilities.
According to Premium Times, the directive was contained in a letter signed by the Bishop of Gboko, William Avenya, and the diocesan chancellor, Marcellinus Wende. The letter was dated October 12 and is the official communication regarding the Benue Catholic institutions closure.
The affected institutions include St Winifred Secondary School, St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St Thomas Hospital and Salus Mudi Care Centre. In addition, St Winifred Parish was impacted.
The diocese also ordered the withdrawal of priests, religious sisters and other pastoral personnel from the community.
Ihugh is the hometown of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia. He previously served as a Catholic priest under the Gboko Diocese.
Repeated attacks force Catholic institutions to close
The diocese said its facilities had suffered repeated disturbances, vandalism and destruction since 2024.
It specifically cited several attacks on students’ hostels at St Winifred Secondary School. These included incidents in October 2025 and May and October 2026.
“Over a considerable period, the Catholic institutions in Ihugh have suffered repeated disturbances, attacks and acts of destruction,” the letter stated, highlighting the reasons for the Benue Catholic institutions closure.
The church also reported repeated burglaries at St Winifred Parish and security incidents affecting St Thomas Hospital.
The diocese said it had previously engaged community leaders, traditional rulers and security authorities in efforts to resolve the situation.
However, those interventions reportedly failed to prevent further attacks.
Diocese announces arrangements for students, patients
The diocese explained that pupils and students from the affected schools would receive assistance. They will be helped to continue their education at other Catholic institutions. As a result, the Benue Catholic institutions closure will significantly impact families and the wider community.
It also directed hospital officials to refer patients requiring treatment to alternative healthcare facilities.
Affected workers would be treated in accordance with the church’s employment obligations, the diocese added.
The closure will remain in place until the church receives credible assurances of safety for its personnel and properties.
The diocese maintained that the decision was necessary to protect students, patients, workers and religious personnel from further harm.
“This decision is a painful one, but it is not a final farewell. The Church leaves in sorrow, not in contempt,” the letter stated.
The church expressed willingness to return if peace and security could be restored to the community.
