Benue attacks force Catholic diocese to shut schools, hospital, parish in Ihugh
The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has shut two schools, a hospital and a parish in Ihugh, Benue State, after what it described as repeated attacks and destruction that made continued operations unsafe.
The diocese also withdrew priests, teachers, health workers and other personnel from the affected institutions.
They are St Winifred Girls Secondary School, St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St Thomas Hospital and St Winifred Parish, all in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area.
The closures were announced in a pastoral letter and decree dated October 12 and signed by the Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. William Avenya, and diocesan chancellor Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende.
Diocese cites repeated attacks
The diocese said its institutions in Ihugh had suffered repeated attacks, disturbances and destruction.
It cited fires that damaged student hostels at St Winifred Secondary School on October 28, 2025, May 10, May 15 and October 11, 2026.
It also reported burglaries at St Winifred Parish and other incidents affecting St Thomas Hospital.
IDNN has not independently established the circumstances or responsibility for each of those incidents.
Police open investigation
Benue State Police said an investigation had begun into the latest incident.
Police spokesperson Aondogu Orchia was reported as saying no death was recorded in the latest fire.
The police response confirms that an investigation is underway, but authorities have not publicly identified those responsible for the incidents cited by the diocese.
Students and patients face disruption
The closures have immediate consequences beyond the damaged buildings.
Students now face disruption to schooling, while patients lose access to a local health facility. Church workers and other staff have also been withdrawn.
The diocese said affected students could be transferred to other Catholic schools and patients referred to alternative health facilities where possible.
The institutions are expected to remain closed until peace is restored and credible safety assurances are provided.
The accountability question now turns to public authorities: what protection will be provided to allow the schools, hospital and parish to reopen safely?
For residents of Ihugh, the issue is no longer only what happened to the institutions. It is how long education, healthcare and other services will remain disrupted — and what must change before they can return.
