By Deborah Mdima Adekaa
The Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Gboko, Bishop William Avenya has ordered the indefinite closure of all Catholic institutions and Churches Governor Hyacinth Alia’s hometown of Ihugh, Benue State, following repeated attacks, arson and other security incidents affecting Church properties and personnel.
The decision, contained in a pastoral letter and decree dated October 12, 2026, takes immediate effect and affects St. Winifred Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Thomas Hospital, Salus Mind Care Centre and St. Winifred Parish.
According to the Bishop, the Diocese could no longer expose priests, religious sisters, teachers, healthcare workers, students and patients to danger after previous efforts to restore peace failed to provide adequate security guarantees.
The bishop cited the burning of student hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School on October 28, 2025, May 10 and 15, 2026, and October 11, 2026, alongside repeated burglaries at St. Winifred Parish and criminal incidents at St. Thomas Hospital.
He also recalled that during the hospital’s reopening on June 21, 2024, some individuals reportedly displayed placards and chanted slogans demanding the departure of the Reverend Sisters from Ihugh.
According to the decree, the Diocese had engaged community leaders, traditional rulers, elders and relevant government and security authorities in search of a peaceful resolution, but the efforts failed to guarantee the safety of Church personnel and property.
The closure will affect education, healthcare and worship in the community. However, the Diocese said arrangements would be made to help students continue their education in other Catholic schools, refer hospital patients to alternative health facilities and redeploy or otherwise provide for affected staff.
The bishop also directed the withdrawal of pastoral personnel and the transfer of parish records to the diocesan archives, alongside measures to safeguard Church property and sacred objects.
Despite the decision, Avenya appealed to the people of Ihugh to embrace peace and reconciliation, stressing that the closure was intended to protect lives rather than punish the community.
He said the Diocese could reconsider its presence if there was genuine repentance, restitution, a firm commitment to peace and credible assurances of lasting security.
As part of efforts to promote reconciliation, the bishop declared Friday, October 23, 2026, a day of prayer and fasting for peace, urging Catholics across the Diocese to intensify prayers.
The decree, signed by Avenya and the diocesan chancellor, Reverend Father Marcellinus Wende, states that the closures will remain in force until further notice and may only be lifted through a subsequent decree.