The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has ordered the immediate, indefinite suspension of all church-owned institutions, including schools, health facilities, and pastoral centers, across the Ihugh community in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, following a relentless spate of arson, burglaries, physical assaults, and systemic harassment directed at its personnel.
​The directives were officially communicated in an ecclesiastical statement issued on Monday, October 12, 2026, from the Diocesan Secretariat in Gboko by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Odu, acting on the directives of the Catholic Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev. William Avenya.
​According to the official decree, the drastic decision became necessary following weeks of escalating security threats targeting the clergy, religious sisters, and workers attached to key mission facilities within Ihugh town.
​The targeted institutions include St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish, local diocesan secondary and primary schools, and community health centers managed by the Church. Diocesan officials reported multiple incidents involving unknown armed men breaking into staff quarters, vandalizing administrative blocks, looting essential medical equipment, and burning down auxiliary structures.
​”The Bishop, in consultation with the Presbyteral Council, has resolved to shut down all educational, medical, and pastoral institutions run by the Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Ihugh, Vandeikya LGA, effective immediately,” Rev. Fr. Odu stated during a press brief at the Diocesan Secretariat. “This measure will remain in place until the safety of our personnel, religious men and women, and students can be guaranteed by the relevant security agencies.”
​The shutdown leaves hundreds of students stranded and temporarily halts healthcare access provided by mission clinics, which serve as vital medical lifelines for Ihugh and surrounding rural communities in Vandeikya LGA.
​Local community leaders and parishioners expressed deep distress over the development. Speaking on behalf of the Ihugh Development Association on Tuesday morning, Mr. Terver Akpen condemned the ongoing criminal activities that forced the Church’s retreat, calling on both state and local security operatives to step in immediately.
​”The Church has been the backbone of education and healthcare in Ihugh for decades,” Akpen remarked. “Losing these services due to the actions of bad actors and criminal elements is a monumental tragedy for our people. We urge the Benue State Police Command and military personnel stationed nearby to track down those responsible so the Diocese can safely reopen these critical institutions.”
​The Catholic Diocese emphasized that while it remains committed to its spiritual and humanitarian mission in Benue State, the safety and lives of its personnel and congregation cannot be compromised.
​As of Tuesday afternoon, security agencies in Benue State had deployed patrol teams to the affected parish and facilities in Ihugh to restore order, investigate the recent attacks, and reassure the community. No arrests have been officially confirmed yet in connection with the arson and burglaries.
