Nigeria: Catholic Diocese Shuts Benue Institutions After Attacks
The bishop said the institutions will stay closed until peace and credible security guarantees are restored after repeated attacks and arson.
- On Monday, October 12, 2026, the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, led by Most Rev. William A. Avenya, ordered the indefinite closure of four institutions in Ihugh, Benue State, withdrawing all priests and personnel following repeated attacks on church property.
- Bishop Avenya cited a history of hostility, including repeated arson at St. Winifred Secondary School and protests during the June 21, 2024 hospital reopening, as reasons the Church could no longer guarantee safety for its workers.
- Sunday's fire at the school—the fourth since October 2025—prompted parent Paul Tikyaa, who has two children enrolled, to withdraw them. Police confirmed the incident caused no deaths and an investigation is underway.
- Consequently, the Diocese is redeploying staff, assisting students with relocation to other Catholic schools, and securing sacred objects and parish records. The Church emphasized the decision protects lives rather than reflecting ill will toward the community.
- Despite the closures, the Diocese remains open to reconciliation and stated it would consider returning if there is genuine repentance, restitution, and credible, lasting assurances of safety for its personnel and properties.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Nigeria: Catholic Diocese Shuts Benue Institutions After Attacks
The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the indefinite closure of all its institutions in Ihugh town of Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, following repeated arson attacks on school hostels and other church properties.
Attacks: Catholic diocese shuts schools, hospital in Benue gov's hometown
The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the immediate closure of its schools, hospital, and parish in Ihugh, Governor Hyacinth Alia’s hometown, due to at Read More: https://punchng.com/attacks-catholic-diocese-shuts-schools-hospital-in-benue-govs-hometown/
Catholic Diocese shuts four institutions in Benue, withdraws priests
The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the indefinite closure of four Church-owned institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State following repeated attacks, arson and alleged acts of hostility against its facilities. The directive, issued by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. William A. Avenya, also mandates the withdrawal of priests, […] Catholic Diocese shuts four institutions in Benue, withdraws priests
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