Diocese of Gboko closes four facilities in Ihugh for security reasons

Bishop William A. Avenya of the Diocese of Gboko has indefinitely closed four Church facilities in Ihugh, Benue State, due to security concerns. The closure, which took effect on 12 October, affects St Winifred Girls’ Secondary School, St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St Thomas Hospital, including the Salus Mind Care Centre and the hospital chaplaincy, and St Winifred Parish.

In a pastoral letter and decree countersigned by diocesan chancellor Father Marcellinus Wende, Bishop Avenya stated the decision follows repeated harassment, attacks, and destruction in the area. The Bishop specifically noted incidents such as the repeated burning of dormitories at St Winifred Secondary School.

The suspension of activities in the Vandeikya Local Government Area will remain in place until peace is restored and credible security guarantees are established.