Catholic Church shuts institutions in Benue community, gives reasons

The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the temporary closure of its institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue, following repeated attacks, arson and destruction of church properties.

The decision was announced in a pastoral letter and decree signed by the Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. William Avenya, and the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende, dated 12 October.

The affected institutions, according to the pastoral letter, are St. Winifred Girls Secondary School, St. Thomas Hospital, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School and St. Winifred Parish, all in High.

The decree directed the withdrawal of pastoral agents, including priests and consecrated persons, citing persistent security threats to church personnel, students, teachers, medical workers and other members of the community.

The diocese expressed deep concern over the repeated burning of students’ hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School, which it said occurred on 28 October 2025; 10 and 15 May 2026; and 11 October 2026.

The decree also cited recurring burglaries at St. Winifred Parish and repeated criminal incidents at St. Thomas’ Hospital, Ihugh, as part of what it described as a pattern of hostility towards church-owned institutions.

The letter recalled an incident during the reopening of St. Thomas’ Hospital on 21 June 2024, when some residents allegedly protested against the continued presence of Reverend Sisters in the community.

According to the diocese, the incidents had resulted in significant losses, fear and uncertainty, undermining the safety of people working in and benefiting from the affected institutions.

“The Church cannot, in conscience, continue to expose her priests, consecrated persons, teachers, medical personnel, students and patients to danger,” the letter stated.

The diocese, however, said the decision followed several efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully, including dialogue with the host community, traditional rulers, community elders and relevant civil and security authorities.

“The attacks have continued, and no assurance of lasting safety has been secured,” the letter stated.

The diocese explained that its schools, hospital and parish in Ihugh were established to serve the common good, irrespective of religious affiliation or origin.

The letter also said the withdrawal was therefore a painful but necessary measure to protect lives and prevent further destruction of church properties.

On the implications of the decision, the diocese said affected pupils and students would, as far as possible, be assisted to continue their education in other Catholic schools within the diocese.

The decree said the Director of Catholic Education Services would provide further details on the arrangements.

Patients receiving treatment at St. Thomas’ Hospital would also be referred to other health facilities, with particular attention to those requiring urgent medical care.

The diocese further assured affected staff members that they would be treated with justice and charity, in accordance with the Church’s teachings on the dignity of labour.

Addressing Catholic faithful in Ihugh, the diocese urged them not to lose hope, stressing that the closure of church buildings did not diminish their faith.

The decree also clarified that the decision was not intended to condemn innocent members of the community or foster hostility towards the people of Ihugh.

“We bear no ill will toward our brothers and sisters, many of whom have known only the good that these institutions brought,” the letter stated.

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The diocese, however, called on community leaders, traditional rulers, youth leaders, government officials and security agencies to work towards restoring peace and bringing those responsible for the attacks to justice.

The letter stated that the closure did not constitute a permanent departure, adding that the diocese could reconsider its return if there was genuine repentance, restitution and lasting assurances of safety for its personnel and properties.

The diocese also called on the faithful across its jurisdiction to intensify prayers for peace and reconciliation in Ihugh and other communities.

The letter directed all parishes to offer prayers and Holy Mass for peace and urged the faithful to observe Friday, Oct. 23, as a day of prayer and fasting for reconciliation.

The pastoral letter concluded with an appeal for divine intervention to restore peace and promote reconciliation among the people of Ihugh.

Meanwhile, the spokesman of Police Command in Benue, Aondogu Orchia, said the command has commenced a full investigation into the incident.

Orchia also said that despite the fire incident, no life was lost.