The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the immediate suspension of activities at its institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, following repeated attacks on church-owned properties.

The affected institutions are St Winifred Girls Secondary School, St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St Thomas Hospital and St Winifred Parish. The directive also ordered the withdrawal of pastoral agents serving in the community.

The decision was communicated in a letter signed by the Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. William Avenya, and the diocesan chancellor, Rev. Fr Marcellinus Wende.

The diocese said the decision followed repeated disturbances, attacks and destruction affecting its institutions in Ihugh since 2024.

It specifically cited the burning of students’ hostels at St Winifred Secondary School on October 28, 2025, May 10 and 15, 2026, and October 11, 2026. The incidents, it said, destroyed accommodation provided for students and placed the lives and safety of learners, teachers and other staff at risk.

The diocese also reported repeated burglaries at St Winifred Parish and criminal incidents at St Thomas Hospital. It recalled that during the hospital’s reopening on June 21, 2024, some residents displayed placards and chanted slogans opposing the continued presence of Reverend Sisters working in the community.

Describing the incidents as a persistent pattern of hostility towards church-owned properties, the diocese said they had created fear and uncertainty among those providing and receiving services at the institutions.

It added that it had previously engaged members of the host community, traditional rulers and community elders, while also presenting its concerns to relevant civil and security authorities. However, these efforts had failed to secure lasting safety guarantees.

The diocese said pupils and students affected by the closure would be assisted to continue their education at other Catholic schools within the diocese.

Patients receiving treatment at St Thomas Hospital would also be referred to other health facilities, with arrangements to protect those requiring urgent medical attention.

The church further assured affected employees that they would be treated fairly in accordance with its teachings on the dignity of labour.

Bishop Avenya confirmed the suspension of activities when contacted about the directive, saying the diocese had suspended operations in the community.

Ihugh is the hometown of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, who served as a Catholic priest under the Gboko Diocese before entering politics.