The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has closed two schools, a hospital and a parish in Benue State following repeated attacks on its facilities. The decision has disrupted education, healthcare and religious activities in Ihugh, where church authorities say the safety of students, patients and workers can no longer be guaranteed.
The closure, which took effect on Monday, October 12, 2026, was announced in a pastoral letter signed by Bishop William Avenya and the diocesan chancellor, Marcellinus Wende.
According to the diocese’s statement reported by Premium Times, the affected institutions are St Winifred Secondary School, St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St Thomas Hospital, including its Salus Mind Care Centre, and St Winifred Parish, all in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area.
What led to the closures?
The diocese said the decision followed repeated incidents of arson, burglary, property destruction and alleged harassment of its personnel.
Student hostels at St Winifred Secondary School were reportedly set ablaze on four occasions: October 28, 2025; May 10 and 15, 2026; and most recently, October 11, 2026.
The diocese also reported repeated burglaries at its parish and criminal incidents at St Thomas Hospital.
Church authorities said they had engaged traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials and security agencies in efforts to resolve the situation, but these interventions had not produced sufficient assurances of safety.
Bishop Avenya subsequently confirmed the suspension of activities to Vanguard.
What happens to students and patients?
The directive requires priests, religious sisters, teachers, healthcare workers and other affected personnel to withdraw from the institutions.
The diocese said it would assist students, where possible, to continue their education in other Catholic schools. Patients receiving treatment at St Thomas Hospital will be referred to alternative healthcare facilities, with urgent cases receiving particular attention.
However, the number of students, patients and workers affected has not been disclosed.
The closure is particularly significant because these institutions provide essential services in Ihugh, the hometown of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.
When will the institutions reopen?
The diocese said the suspension would remain in place until peace is restored and credible security guarantees are provided.
It called on community leaders, government authorities and security agencies to protect lives and property and ensure those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.
The church maintained that its withdrawal was not permanent, but returning would depend on improved security conditions.
What this means for residents
For families in Ihugh, the immediate concern extends beyond damaged buildings. Children may have to change schools, patients must find alternative healthcare, and workers face reassignment.
The development highlights how persistent insecurity can gradually deprive communities of essential services, even when the violence is directed at particular institutions.
Restoring the facilities will therefore require more than repairs. It will depend on whether authorities and community leaders can establish lasting safety for the people who rely on them.
