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A series of attacks on church property has forced the Catholic Diocese of Gboko to suspend its activities in Ihugh, the hometown of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, leaving the future of several educational, medical and religious services in the community uncertain.
The suspension follows multiple incidents involving the destruction of student hostels at St Winifred Girls Secondary School. According to the diocese, the hostels were burnt on October 28, 2025, May 10 and 15, 2026, and October 11, 2026. The church also reported burglaries at St Winifred Parish and repeated criminal incidents at St Thomas Hospital.
Beyond closing the facilities, the diocese has withdrawn its pastoral workers from the community. The decision was communicated in a letter signed by Bishop William Avenya and the diocesan chancellor, Reverend Father Marcellinus Wende, who cited continuing security threats and the absence of sufficient guarantees to protect church personnel and property.
The shutdown affects four institutions: St Winifred Girls Secondary School, St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St Thomas Hospital and St Winifred Parish. The diocese said the decision followed unsuccessful engagements with community members, traditional authorities and security agencies to find a lasting solution to the reported attacks.
To limit the impact on residents, the church plans to help affected pupils transfer to other Catholic schools and direct hospital patients to alternative healthcare facilities. It also pledged fair treatment for employees affected by the suspension. The diocese has made clear that the institutions’ return will depend on the restoration of security and the availability of credible assurances that similar incidents will not continue.
