Benue attacks force Catholic Church to shut schools, hospital

…Diocese withdraws priests, teachers, medical workers after repeated arson, burglaries and alleged harassment

Abimbola Joseph

The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has suspended activities at its schools, hospital and other institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, following repeated arson attacks, burglaries and alleged harassment of its personnel.

The suspension, effective October 12, will remain in force indefinitely, with priests, Reverend Sisters, teachers, medical workers and other staff withdrawn from the affected institutions until their safety can be guaranteed.

The affected facilities include St Winifred Secondary School, St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St Thomas Hospital, Salus Mind Care Centre, its chaplaincy and St Winifred Parish.

In a pastoral letter and decree signed by the Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev William Avenya, and the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev Fr Marcellinus Wende, the Church said the decision followed repeated attacks that had endangered lives and destroyed property.

The Diocese cited the burning of student hostels at St Winifred Secondary School on October 28, 2025, May 10, May 15 and October 11, 2026, as well as persistent burglaries at the parish and criminal incidents at the hospital.

It described the incidents as a pattern of hostility against Church-owned institutions that provide education, healthcare, and religious services to the community.

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

Hospital reopening marked by protest

The Diocese also recalled an incident during the reopening of St Thomas Hospital on June 21, 2024, when some residents allegedly displayed placards and chanted slogans demanding the withdrawal of the Reverend Sisters working in Ihugh.

According to the pastoral letter, the incident, alongside the repeated attacks and burglaries, reinforced concerns about the safety of Church personnel and property.

The Diocese said it had engaged community leaders, traditional rulers, elders and security authorities in an attempt to resolve the crisis through dialogue.

However, it said the efforts had failed to produce the security guarantees needed to keep the institutions operating.

“We have listened, we have appealed, and we have waited patiently. Sadly, these sincere efforts have not yielded the peace, security and guarantees that the continued presence of our institutions requires,” the letter stated.

Ihugh is the hometown of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Students, patients to be transferred

The Diocese said it would help students affected by the suspension continue their education at other Catholic schools, while referring patients who would ordinarily receive treatment at St Thomas Hospital to alternative health facilities.

It also assured affected employees that they would be treated fairly and in accordance with Church teaching on the dignity of labour.

The Church expressed gratitude to its priests, Reverend Sisters, teachers, doctors, nurses and other workers who had continued to serve the community despite the reported threats and destruction.

Although it condemned the attacks, the Diocese stressed that it did not hold the entire community responsible for the actions of those involved.

“To the entire people of Ihugh, to its leaders and to its youth, we make no accusation against the innocent, and we hold no hatred in our hearts,” it said.

It called on community leaders, youths, traditional rulers and government authorities to work towards restoring peace, warning that violence and arson deprived residents of essential services and undermined the community’s development.

Church leaves door open for return

The Diocese urged security agencies and governments at all levels to protect lives and property and ensure that those responsible for the attacks were brought to justice.

It emphasised that the suspension should not be interpreted as a permanent withdrawal from Ihugh, saying it remained open to reconciliation.

The Church said it would consider reopening the institutions when there was genuine repentance, restitution, a firm commitment to peace and credible assurances of safety for its personnel and property.

It also declared Friday, October 23, 2026, a day of prayer and fasting for reconciliation and the restoration of peace in Ihugh and other communities.

Bishop Avenya confirmed the decision, describing it as a suspension of activities in response to the incidents.

“This decision is a painful one, but it is not a final farewell. The Church leaves in sorrow, not in contempt,” the Diocese said.