By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the temporary closure of all its institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, and withdrawn all pastoral agents following repeated attacks, arson, and burglary on Church properties.
The closure, which takes effect from October 12, 2026, affects St. Winifred Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Thomas Hospital, including the Salus Mind Care Center and Hospital Chaplaincy, and St. Winifred Parish.
The decision was contained in a Pastoral Letter and Decree signed by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. William A. Avenya, and the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende.
According to the decree, the decision was taken after much prayer, reflection and consultation with the Presbyteral Council, College of Consultors and Diocesan Finance Council.
The Diocese cited a systemic pattern of hostility, including the burning of students’ hostels of St. Winifred Secondary School on October 28, 2025, May 10, 2026, May 15, 2026, and October 11, 2026, consistent burglaries at St. Winifred Parish, repeated criminal incidents at St. Thomas Hospital, and hooliganism during the reopening of the hospital on June 21, 2024, when some residents reportedly displayed placards stating they no longer wanted Reverend Sisters to work in Ihugh.
Bishop Avenya said the Church had explored dialogue with the host community, traditional rulers, elders, civil and security authorities to restore peace, but the efforts did not yield lasting safety guarantees.
“The Church is a partner in development, not a victim to be repeatedly wounded,” the Bishop stated, adding that the Church cannot in conscience continue to expose priests, consecrated persons, teachers, medical personnel, students and patients to danger.
As part of the decree, the Bishop ordered the withdrawal of all priests, consecrated persons, catechists, pastoral workers, teaching and non-teaching staff, and medical and administrative personnel under the Diocese from Ihugh. He directed that no one should return to the posts without his express written authorization.
He also directed that parish registers and archives be transferred to the Diocesan Archives, while the Blessed Sacrament, sacred vessels and objects be reverently removed and secured under the supervision of the Vicar General and the Diocesan Chancery.
On pastoral provisions, the Diocese said students of the affected schools would be assisted to continue their education in other Catholic schools, patients of St. Thomas Hospital would be referred to other health facilities, and affected staff would be redeployed with justice and charity.
Addressing the faithful in Ihugh, Bishop Avenya urged them not to lose heart, stressing that the Church is not primarily walls and roofs but the living stones of God’s people. He called on elders, traditional rulers, youth leaders and government to restore peace and ensure justice.
The Bishop stressed that the decision was taken in sorrow and not in contempt, noting that the door remains open for return should there genuine repentance, restitution, firm commitment to peace and credible assurances of safety.
He declared Friday, October 23, as a day of prayer and fasting for reconciliation and urged all parishes to pray for peace in Ihugh and across the Diocese throughout the remaining days of October, the month devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
