Catholic Church closes schools and hospital in Benue due to violence

The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has closed its institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue. This decision follows ongoing attacks, arson, and destruction of church properties.

The announcement came in a letter and decree signed by the Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. William Avenya, and the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende, dated 12 October.

The institutions affected are St. Winifred Girls Secondary School, St. Thomas Hospital, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, and St. Winifred Parish, all located in High.

The decree ordered the withdrawal of priests and other church personnel due to security threats to them, students, teachers, medical workers, and community members.

The diocese raised concerns about the burning of students' hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School. This happened on 28 October 2025, 10 and 15 May 2026, and 11 October 2026.

The decree noted that there were also repeated burglaries at St. Winifred Parish and several criminal incidents at St. Thomas’ Hospital, Ihugh. These events formed a pattern of hostility toward church-owned institutions.

The letter mentioned an incident during the reopening of St. Thomas’ Hospital on 21 June 2024, where some residents protested against the presence of the Reverend Sisters in the community.

According to the diocese, these incidents caused significant losses and fear, making it unsafe for people working in and benefiting from these institutions.

“The Church cannot, in conscience, continue to expose her priests, consecrated persons, teachers, medical personnel, students and patients to danger,” the letter stated.

The diocese said it tried to resolve the crisis peacefully. It held talks with the community, traditional rulers, elders, and relevant civil and security authorities.

“The attacks have continued, and no assurance of lasting safety has been secured,” the letter stated.

The diocese explained that its schools, hospital, and parish in Ihugh were set up to serve everyone, regardless of their religion or background.

The letter said this withdrawal is painful but necessary to protect lives and avoid further damage to church properties.

On what this means for students, the diocese said affected pupils and students would be helped to continue their education in other Catholic schools nearby.

The Director of Catholic Education Services will provide more details on the arrangements. Patients at St. Thomas’ Hospital will be referred to other health facilities, especially those needing urgent care.

The diocese assured affected staff members they would be treated fairly and kindly, following the Church’s teachings on the dignity of work.

Addressing the Catholic faithful in Ihugh, the diocese encouraged them to hold onto hope. They stressed that closing church buildings does not take away from their faith.

The decree clarified that this decision was not meant to blame innocent community members or create bad feelings toward the people of Ihugh.

“We bear no ill will toward our brothers and sisters, many of whom have known only the good that these institutions brought,” the letter stated.

The diocese called on community leaders, traditional rulers, youth leaders, government officials, and security agencies to help restore peace and bring those who attacked to justice.

The letter stated that the closure is not a permanent departure. The diocese may reconsider its return if there is true repentance and lasting safety for its personnel and properties.

The diocese also urged the faithful to pray more for peace and reconciliation in Ihugh and other communities.

All parishes were directed to offer prayers and Holy Mass for peace. The faithful were asked to observe Friday, Oct. 23, as a day of prayer and fasting for reconciliation.

The letter ended with a call for divine intervention to restore peace and promote reconciliation among the people of Ihugh.

Meanwhile, the Benue Police Command spokesman, Aondogu Orchia, said they have started a full investigation into the incidents.

Orchia added that despite the fire, no lives were lost.