“My beloved daughters, I am deeply sorry”: Nigerian Priest Apologises after Repeated Fires Force Catholic School Closure

Fr. Isaac Shalegh, the principal of St. Winifred’s Girls Secondary School Ihugh, apologized to students and families in a letter on Wednesday, October 14, after repeated fires forced the school to close indefinitely. He expressed regret that his previous promises of protection did not provide the security the students deserved.

The Diocese of Gboko announced on Monday, October 12, that the school and other Church institutions in the area would suspend activities following repeated attacks and property destruction. Fr. Shalegh noted that he saw students fleeing for safety during the latest fire on Sunday, October 11, and stated he can no longer guarantee their safety under the current circumstances.