The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has indefinitely closed four institutions in Benue State, following repeated attacks, arson and other security concerns. The affected institutions are St. Winifred Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Thomas Hospital, including Salus Mind Care Centre and its chaplaincy, and St. Winifred Parish in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Areas. The decision was announced in a pastoral letter and decree issued on Monday by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende, on behalf of the Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev. William Avenya, said the closure took effect on October 12. According to the letter, the affected staff will be redeployed, students will be assisted to continue their education in other Catholic schools, and patients will be referred to other health facilities. The decree orders the withdrawal of diocesan personnel from the institutions. The letter explained that student hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School were burnt on October 28, 2025, May 10 and 15, 2026, and October 11, 2026. The parish also experienced repeated burglaries, while the hospital recorded other criminal incidents. “The Church cannot, in conscience, continue to expose her priests, consecrated persons, teachers, medical personnel, students and patients to danger,” the letter stated. The diocese said previous engagements with community leaders, traditional rulers, government officials and security agencies had failed to secure lasting guarantees for the safety of its personnel and property. The diocese said it could reconsider the withdrawal if the community demonstrated a genuine commitment to peace and provided credible, lasting assurances of safety. It also declared Friday, October 23, a day of prayer and fasting for peace and reconciliation.
