The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the temporary relocation of students of St. Winifred Girls Secondary School, Ihugh, Benue State, to four other Catholic secondary schools following growing security concerns in the area.
The directive was communicated in a letter dated October 17, 2026, issued by the school management after consultations with the Bishop and the Director of Catholic Education Services of the diocese.
According to the management, the decision follows a pastoral letter and decree by the Bishop ordering the temporary closure of Catholic institutions in Ihugh and the withdrawal of pastoral agents from the area over security concerns.
The relocation is intended to ensure that students can continue their education while the Church assesses the situation and determines when normal academic activities can resume at the affected institution.
Under the relocation arrangement, students have been assigned to four Catholic secondary schools based on their respective classes.
Basic 7 and Senior Secondary School 2 students will attend Queen of the Rosary Secondary School, Gboko.
Students in Basic 8 and Basic 9 will be transferred to St. Mary Girls’ Secondary School, Adikpo, while Senior Secondary School 1 students will resume at Our Lady of Apostles Girls’ Secondary School, Vandeikya.
Meanwhile, Senior Secondary School 3 students have been assigned to Notre Dame Secondary School, Mkar.
The school management directed all affected students to report to their designated institutions on Friday, October 23, 2026.
The management stressed that the transfers are temporary and will remain in place until the Church makes further decisions on the future of St. Winifred Girls Secondary School, Ihugh, in light of the prevailing security situation.
It acknowledged that the arrangement could create difficulties for students and their families, expressing regret over the disruption and uncertainty caused by the decision.
The school also appealed to parents and guardians to remain patient and cooperate with the relocation plan while the diocese continues to evaluate the situation.
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Management assured families that appropriate communication channels would be established to keep them informed and maintain regular engagement throughout the transition.
School Staff To Support Transition
To minimise disruption to teaching and learning, some teaching and non-teaching staff of St. Winifred Girls Secondary School will be deployed to the receiving institutions.
The staff members are expected to assist the relocated students and support the continuation of academic activities in their new schools.
The management expressed appreciation to parents and guardians for their understanding, patience and continued confidence in the institution, urging them to cooperate with the arrangements.
The relocation follows the Catholic Diocese of Gboko’s decision to temporarily shut Catholic institutions in Ihugh and withdraw pastoral personnel amid concerns over the safety of the affected locations.