The Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Benue State has given reasons why it announced the indefinite closure of all its institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, together with the withdrawal of all pastoral agents and other staff.
Top level authorities at the diocese said the decision was taken following repeated attacks, arson and destruction of church properties in the area.
The bishop of Gboko diocese, Most Rev. William Avenya, in a statement tagged “Pastoral Letter and Decree,” and addressed to members of the public on Monday, said the decision was coming on the heels of years of hostility in the community.
According him, the hostilities included the burning of St. Winifred Secondary School hostels on four occasions on October 28, 2025, May 10, 2026, May 15, 2026 and October 11, 2026.
He listed other incidents to include persistent burglary at St. Winifred Parish, repeated criminal attacks on St.Thomas Hospital, and hooliganism during the reopening of the hospital on June 21, 2024, when some persons openly declared they no longer wanted Reverend Sisters to work in the community.
Bishop Avenya said the diocese had explored dialogue with traditional rulers, elders, civil authorities and security agencies without securing lasting peace and safety guarantees for its personnel and institutions.
He explained that consequent upon series of these developments, the diocese decided to close St. Winifred Secondary School, as well as St. Thomas Hospital, including Salus Mind Care Centre and Hospital Chaplaincy; St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, and St. Winifred Parish, all in Ihugh.
The Bishop also directed the withdrawal of all priests, consecrated persons, catechists, teachers, medical and administrative staff serving under the diocese in the town.
Avenya said students of the affected schools would be assisted to continue their education in other Catholic schools, while patients of St. Thomas Hospital would be referred to other health facilities, adding that affected staff would be redeployed with justice and charity.
The bishop expressed gratitude to priests, religious and lay workers who served in Ihugh, noting that they did so with courage at great personal cost.
While describing the decision as painful but necessary, Avenya said the door remains open for return, should there be genuine repentance, restitution and credible assurances of safety.
He also declared October 23 as a day of prayer and fasting for reconciliation and urged all parishes to pray for peace in Ihugh.
