Catholic diocese shuts down schools and hospital over attacks

The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has closed four institutions in Ihugh, a community in Benue State. They also withdrew their priests, religious sisters, and other staff because of repeated attacks and damage to church property.

The institutions affected are St Winifred Secondary School, St Thomas Hospital, Salus Mudi Care Centre, St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, and St Winifred Parish.

This decision was shared in a letter signed by the Bishop of Gboko, William Avenya, and the diocesan chancellor, Marcellinus Wende. The letter was dated 12 October.

The diocese said the closure will last until further notice. They want to see peace restored and get proper security for their staff and property.

"Over a considerable period, the Catholic institutions in Ihugh have suffered repeated disturbances, attacks and acts of destruction," the letter said.

The letter mentioned the burning of student hostels at St Winifred Secondary School on 28 October 2025, 10 May 2026, 15 May 2026, and 11 October 2026. These incidents were key reasons for the closure.

According to the diocese, these attacks destroyed student accommodation and put the safety of students, teachers, and staff at risk.

The letter also pointed to repeated thefts at St Winifred Parish and issues at St Thomas Hospital. It mentioned protests on 21 June 2024, when people carried placards and shouted that they did not want the Reverend Sisters in Ihugh anymore.

"These acts are identified as part of a systematic pattern of hostility and destruction directed at Church-owned properties, alongside arson and harassment," the diocese said.

The diocese has talked with community leaders, traditional rulers, and elders. They also reported their worries to government and security bodies to find a solution.

But the diocese said these efforts did not bring lasting peace or enough security.

"The Church cannot, in conscience, continue to expose her Priests, Consecrated Persons, Teachers, Medical personnel, Students and Patients to danger, nor continue to invest the resources of God's people where they are not safe and are not valued," the letter said.

The diocese said this withdrawal was not an attack on the community. It was necessary to protect everyone working in its institutions.

They added that the closure will stay in place until the bishop, with advice from his advisers, decides it's safe to return.

According to the decree, priests, consecrated persons, catechists, pastoral workers, and lay mission partners in the affected institutions must stop their duties.

Teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as medical and administrative workers, will be reassigned or managed through the relevant diocesan offices.

The decree also stops anyone from returning to their posts or doing ministry for the diocese in Ihugh without the bishop's written approval.

The diocese said students from the affected secondary and primary schools would be helped to continue their education in other Catholic schools if possible. More details will come from the Director of Catholic Education Services.

Patients at St Thomas Hospital will be sent to other health facilities, and arrangements will be made for those needing urgent care.

The diocese also promised to treat affected staff fairly, following its teaching on the dignity of work.

Even with the closures, the diocese said it is open to reconciliation and possibly returning to Ihugh.

"This decision is a painful one, but it is not a final farewell. The Church leaves in sorrow, not in contempt," the letter said.

The diocese will think about going back if there is real repentance, restitution, a strong commitment to peace, and lasting security for its staff and property.

The diocese called on community elders, traditional leaders, youth leaders, public officials, and security agencies to help bring back peace and make sure those behind the attacks face justice.

They also asked their faithful to pray for peace in Ihugh and declared Friday, 23 October, as a day of prayer and fasting for reconciliation.