Diocese of Gboko suspends activities at 3 schools, parish, hospital

The Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Nigeria suspended operations at a parish, a hospital, and three schools in Ihugh on October 12 due to persistent insecurity. The decision follows repeated attacks, property destruction, and other security incidents in the area.

According to a decree co-signed by Bishop William Amove Avenya and Chancellor Father Marcellinus Wende, the affected institutions include St. Winifred Parish, St. Thomas Hospital, Subin Mind Care Center, the hospital chaplaincy, St. Winifred Secondary School, and St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School. The suspension involves the withdrawal of all diocesan personnel, including priests, consecrated persons, catechists, pastoral workers, teachers, medical staff, and administrative employees.

Bishop Avenya directed that these personnel be reassigned or redeployed. The decree states that no one may resume duties or ministry on behalf of the diocese in Ihugh without the bishop's express written authorization. While the diocese intends for the closures to be temporary, the suspension is indefinite and will remain in place until the bishop and his advisers determine that conditions are safe for a return. The diocese will communicate any decision to reopen through a future decree.