Following a series of attacks, including four separate incidents of arson targeting a local secondary school, the Gboko Diocese in Benue State has officially shut down its schools, hospitals, and parish in Ihugh Vandeikya Local Government Area of the State.
The Bishop of Gboko, Most Reverend William Avenya, called the decision ‘painful but necessary’ to protect human lives.
In an official pastoral letter and decree issued on Monday, October 12th, Bishop William Avenya announced the total withdrawal of all pastoral personnel, including priests, consecrated sisters, and staff from Ihugh community.
The recent attacks is a systemic pattern of hostility spanning over two years.
St. Winifred Secondary School was hit by arson four times, most recently on October 11th.
The Diocese also cited persistent burglaries at St. Winifred Parish, attacks on St. Thomas Hospital, and openly hostile demonstrations demanding the removal of religious personnel.
Despite the pullout, pastoral provisions are being enacted.
Catholic Education Services will assist displaced students in transferring to nearby Catholic schools, while patients at St. Thomas Hospital are being systematically referred to safe health facilities.
Church leadership stressed that this is not a permanent farewell but a call for accountability.
The Diocese confirmed it remains open to returning, provided local leaders, security agencies, and the government can guarantee genuine peace, restitution, and verifiable safety for church personnel.
In the interim, the Diocese has declared Friday, October 23rd, a day of fasting and prayer for reconciliation across all parishes.
The Diocese of Gboko has called on civil authorities and law enforcement to fulfil their constitutional duty to hold those responsible for the arson accountable and to restore lasting peace to Ihugh.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
