The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate for Benue State in the 2027 elections, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has expressed deep sorrow over the decision of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko to indefinitely close its institutions in Ihugh and withdraw its pastoral agents following repeated attacks, destruction of property, and threats to the lives of its personnel.
Chief Aondoakaa commiserates with the Bishop of the Diocese, His Excellency Most Rev. William A. Avenya, the clergy, religious personnel, teachers, healthcare workers, students, parishioners, and the entire Catholic community over this painful development.
He describes the situation as deeply troubling and heartbreaking, noting that it is particularly distressing that institutions established to educate children, care for the sick, nurture faith, create employment, and contribute to community development are being forced to suspend their operations because of persistent attacks.
Chief Aondoakaa says it is quite painful and unacceptable that institutions dedicated to the service of humanity should become targets of repeated attacks, leaving those who educate our children, care for our sick, and serve our communities fearful for their lives.
He strongly condemns the repeated burning of student hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School, the reported attacks and criminal incidents involving St. Thomas Hospital, and every act of intimidation, and destruction directed at Church institutions and their personnel.
The gubernatorial candidate maintains that no grievance, disagreement, or circumstance can justify the destruction of educational and healthcare facilities or the endangerment of innocent lives. Such acts inflict wounds far beyond damaged buildings, they undermine the hopes of children, threaten access to healthcare, destroy livelihoods, and weaken the foundations of peaceful coexistence.
Aondoakaa notes that the Catholic Church has made invaluable contributions to the development of Benue State over several decades through education, healthcare delivery, spiritual formation, humanitarian services, and employment generation. Its institutions have helped raise generations of educated citizens, trained professionals, cared for vulnerable populations, and provided livelihoods for countless families.
He stresses that protecting these institutions is not a favour to the Church, it is a fundamental responsibility of government and an essential duty to the people. He stresses that government has a solemn obligation to protect lives and property, preserve public peace, and ensure that institutions contributing to the welfare and development of our communities can operate without fear.
The former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice calls on the Benue State Government, security agencies, local government authorities, traditional rulers, community leaders, and all relevant stakeholders to work together to address the situation, identify those responsible for the attacks, bring the perpetrators to justice, and establish credible security arrangements that will prevent a recurrence.
He further urges the relevant authorities to engage the Catholic Diocese in meaningful dialogue, address its legitimate security concerns, and create the necessary conditions for the safe reopening of the affected institutions so that the people of Ihugh will once again benefit from the educational, medical, and pastoral services these institutions have long provided.
He also appeals to the people of Ihugh to reject violence, resist any attempt by any individual or group to cause them to be seen as a community that rejects development or inflames tensions, and support efforts to restore peace and mutual understanding in the community.
Chief Aondoakaa appeals and assures Most Rev. William A. Avenya and the entire Catholic Diocese of Gboko of his solidarity and prayers, expressing confidence that sincere engagement, justice, and decisive action by the relevant authorities can help restore peace and create the conditions necessary for the institutions to resume their invaluable services to the people.
