Catholic Diocese shuts four institutions in Benue, withdraws priests 

The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the indefinite closure of 4 Church-owned institutions successful Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State pursuing 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, besides mandates the withdrawal of priests, consecrated persons and different pastoral workers from the assemblage until lasting bid and credible information guarantees are established.

The closure took effect connected October 12, 2026, according to a pastoral missive and decree issued by the bishop and signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende.

The affected institutions are St. Winifred Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Thomas Hospital, including Salus Mind Care Center and the infirmary chaplaincy, and St. Winifred Parish, each successful Ihugh.

The Diocese said the determination followed a bid of information incidents that had placed the lives of students, teachers, aesculapian personnel, priests and othe...