The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the temporary closure of its schools, hospital and parish in Ihugh community, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, following repeated attacks on church-owned facilities.

The directive also ordered the withdrawal of priests, religious sisters and other pastoral personnel serving in the community.

The affected institutions are St Winifred Girls Secondary School, St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St Thomas Hospital and St Winifred Parish, all located in Ihugh, the hometown of Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia.

The decision was communicated in a letter signed by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, Most Rev. William Avenya, and the diocesan chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende.

The diocese said the decision followed repeated incidents of attacks, arson, burglary and other acts of destruction targeting its institutions in the community since 2024.

It specifically cited the burning of students’ hostels at St Winifred Secondary School on October 28, 2025, May 10 and May 15, 2026, as well as October 11, 2026.

According to the diocese, the incidents destroyed accommodation provided for students and exposed pupils, teachers and other staff to serious safety risks.

It also raised concerns over repeated burglaries at St Winifred Parish and criminal incidents at St Thomas Hospital.

The church further recalled that during the reopening of the hospital on June 21, 2024, some residents allegedly displayed placards and chanted slogans opposing the continued presence of the Reverend Sisters in the community.

The diocese described the incidents as a recurring pattern of hostility and destruction directed at church-owned properties, saying they had created fear and uncertainty among its workers and those who depended on its services.

It said it had made several attempts to resolve the situation before taking the decision, including meetings with members of the host community, consultations with traditional rulers and elders, and appeals to relevant government and security authorities.

However, the diocese said those efforts had failed to secure lasting peace or adequate guarantees for the protection of its personnel and facilities.

It explained that it could no longer continue exposing priests, teachers, medical workers, students and patients to potential danger without assurances of their safety.

As part of measures to minimise the impact of the closures, the diocese said pupils and students from the affected primary and secondary schools would be assisted to continue their education at other Catholic schools within the diocese.

Patients receiving treatment at St Thomas Hospital would also be referred to other health facilities, with arrangements to ensure that those requiring urgent medical attention were properly cared for.

The diocese further assured affected employees that they would be treated fairly and compassionately in line with the Church’s principles on the dignity of labour.

Despite the closures, the church said its decision was not intended to permanently sever ties with the community. It expressed willingness to consider returning when peace had been restored and credible assurances of lasting security had been provided.

The diocese called on community leaders, traditional rulers, youths, government officials and security agencies to work towards restoring peace and ensuring that those responsible for the attacks were held accountable.

Bishop Avenya confirmed the suspension of activities in the community, stressing that the decision was prompted by the recurring security incidents.