Total Shutdown in Benue: Catholic Diocese of Gboko Suspends Operations, Withdraws Priests and Workers Over Repeated Attacks and Arson

The Catholic Diocese of Gboko, led by Bishop Most Rev. William A. Avenya, has taken the unprecedented step of shutting down all its institutional operations in Ihugh community—the hometown of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. According to an official pastoral letter and decree signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende, the sweeping shutdown took effect on October 12, 2026, following escalating and persistent acts of hostility, violence, and arson directed at Church properties.

​The affected institutions include:

​St. Winifred Secondary School

​St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School

​St. Thomas Hospital, including the Salus Mind Care Center and the hospital chaplaincy

​St. Winifred Parish, Ihugh

​In addition to closing these vital social, educational, and medical facilities, the diocese has mandated the immediate withdrawal of all priests, religious sisters, catechists, teachers, medical personnel, and administrative staff stationed within the community. Church authorities disclosed that prior to taking this painful step, extensive engagements were held with traditional rulers, community elders, civil authorities, and security agencies. However, these earnest diplomatic efforts failed to yield lasting peace or dependable security guarantees to safeguard lives and property.

​Addressing the humanitarian impact of the sudden shutdown, the diocese assured that pragmatic measures are being put in place: displaced students will be assisted to transition into alternative Catholic schools, patients at St. Thomas Hospital are being securely referred to other medical centers, and affected staff will be treated with justice and charity. While the church has left the door open for a future return—contingent upon genuine repentance, community restitution, and credible assurances of absolute safety—Bishop Avenya has declared October 23 as a special day of prayer and fasting for peace, reconciliation, and divine intervention across parishes.