Gboko Diocese Closes Four Institutions in Ihugh

The Diocese of Gboko has closed four Catholic institutions in Ihugh, Benue State, and withdrawn its pastoral workers, citing repeated attacks and unresolved safety concerns. The measures took effect October 12 under a decree signed by Bishop William Avenya and diocesan chancellor Marcellinus Wende. The affected institutions are St. Winifred Girls Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Thomas Hospital and St. Winifred Parish. The diocese also ordered priests, consecrated persons, catechists and other pastoral workers to leave their assignments in the community. Staff employed by the diocese are to be redeployed, reassigned or otherwise provided for, according to the decree. The diocese cited fires at student hostels belonging to St. Winifred Girls Secondary School on October 28, 2025, and May 10, May 15 and October 11, 2026. It also reported recurring burglaries at the parish and other incidents at the hospital. The decree recalled a June 21, 2024, protest during the hospital’s reopening, when some residents reportedly objected to the presence of religious sisters.