Benue Catholic Church shuts down institutions over repeated attacks

The Catholic Church of Gboko Diocese has ordered the immediate closure of its institutions in Ihugh community in Vandeikiya Local Government Area of Benue State.

The order, which also ordered the withdrawal of pastoral agents from the community, was contained in a verified letter issued by the diocese and signed by the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Gboko, Most Rev. William A. Avenya and Chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Gboko, Bishop Rev. Fr Marecllinus Wende.

The affected institutions included St Winifred Girls Secondary School, Ihugh, St Thomas Hospital, Ihugh, St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, Ihugh and St Winifred Parish, Ihugh.

The diocese hinged its decision on repeated attacks on Catholic institutions in Ihugh community since 2024.

According to parts of the letter, “Over a considerable period, the Catholic institutions in Ihugh have suffered repeated disturbances, attacks and acts of destruction.

“Among these were the recent burning down of the students’ hostels of St. Winifred Secondary School, Ihugh, October 28th, 2025, May 10th, 2026, May 15th, 2026, and October 11th, 2026, acts that have destroyed the shelter of young people entrusted to our care, wiped out the labour and sacrifices of many years, and placed the lives and safety of students, teachers and staff in grave danger.

‎”‎The persistent burning down of St. Winifred Secondary School Students’ hostels was not an isolated event. The consistent burglary issues in St Winifred Parish, Ihugh, the repeated criminal incidents at St Thomas Hospital, Ihugh, and the hooliganism witnessed during the time of the reopening of St. Thomas’ Hospital Ihugh on 21st June, 2024, wherein, the people of Ihugh openly projected placards and chanting slogans that, “They no longer want the Reverend Sisters to work in Ihugh”.

“These acts are identified as part of a systemic pattern of hostility and destruction directed at church-owned properties, alongside arson and harassment. Each incident has left behind fear, loss and uncertainty among those who serve and are served by the Church.

READ ALSO: Catholic bishops raise alarm over insecurity, poverty, poor infrastructure in Nigeria

At arriving at the decision, the Catholic Church explained that it had met with the host community, engaged the traditional rulers and elders of the land, and brought those grievances before the relevant civil and security authorities.

“Sadly, these sincere efforts have not yielded the peace, security and guarantees that the continued presence of our institutions requires.

‎”‎We have done all that depends on us. The attacks have continued, and no assurance of lasting safety has been secured,” the letter further read in parts.

The diocese, however, said that students of the secondary and primary schools shall be assisted to continue their education in other Catholic schools within the diocese.

It also added that‎ patients of St Thomas Hospital shall be properly referred and handed over to other health facilities, with every care taken to protect those requiring urgent attention.

‎It further stated that the staff affected by the decision will be treated with justice and charity, in accordance with Church teaching on the dignity of labour.