The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the temporary relocation of students of St. Winifred Girls Secondary School, Ihugh, to four other Catholic secondary schools within the Diocese amid growing security concerns in the area.
The decision was communicated in a letter dated October 17, 2026, issued by the school's management following a meeting with the Bishop and the Director of Catholic Education Services of the Gboko Diocese.
The management explained that the relocation was necessitated by the Bishop's pastoral letter and decree directing the temporary closure of Catholic institutions and the withdrawal of pastoral agents from Ihugh.
As part of the arrangement, students will be distributed among four Catholic schools according to their respective classes.
Basic 7 and Senior Secondary School 2 students will move to Queen of the Rosary Secondary School, Gboko, while Basic 8 and Basic 9 students will continue their education at St. Mary Girls' Secondary School, Adikpo.
Meanwhile, Senior Secondary School 1 students have been assigned to Our Lady of Apostles Girls' Secondary School, Vandeikya, while their Senior Secondary School 3 counterparts will resume at Notre Dame Secondary School, Mkar.
According to the directive, all affected students are expected to report to their designated schools on Friday, October 23, 2026.
The school management clarified that the transfer is not permanent, noting that the arrangement will remain effective until the Church makes further decisions on the future of St. Winifred Girls Secondary School, Ihugh, in view of the prevailing security situation.
It acknowledged the difficulties the decision may create for students, parents and guardians, expressing regret over the disruption and uncertainty caused by the development.
The management also thanked parents and guardians for their patience, understanding and continued confidence in the school during the period of transition.
To maintain effective communication, the school assured families that appropriate channels would be put in place to ensure regular engagement between parents and the management.
In addition, some teaching and non-teaching staff of St. Winifred Girls Secondary School will be deployed to the receiving institutions to assist the students and support the smooth continuation of academic activities.
Parents and guardians were urged to cooperate with the relocation plan as the Church continues to assess the situation and determine the next steps concerning the institution.
The development comes after the Catholic Diocese of Gboko announced the temporary closure of Catholic institutions and the withdrawal of pastoral agents from Ihugh over security threats and concerns about the safety of the affected locations.
Insecurity: Catholic Diocese transfers St Winifred students to four schools in Benue