Catholic diocese shuts schools, hospital, parish over repeated attacks
The Catholic Diocese of Gboko closed four institutions in Ihugh, Benue State, and withdrew its pastoral agents over repeated attacks, arson and security concerns. The post Catholic diocese shuts schools, hospital,…
Benue State has for years been at the centre of Nigeria's farmer-herder crisis, with communities in the state's agrarian belt repeatedly targeted by armed attackers, leading to mass displacement, destroyed villages and recurring tolls on churches, schools and clinics that often serve as the only social infrastructure in these rural areas. The Catholic Church, through its dioceses, runs a significant share of schools and hospitals across the state, making it both a frequent target of violence and a vocal critic of the state and federal government's response to the insecurity.
The closures in Ihugh are notable given the town's status as the hometown of Benue's governor, Hyacinth Alia, himself a former Catholic priest, which adds a layer of political sensitivity to the diocese's decision. Both reports agree on the core facts — that the Diocese of Gboko shut down its schools, hospital and parish and withdrew pastoral staff citing repeated attacks and security concerns — though neither outlet has yet detailed the scale of casualties or displacement from the attacks, the timeline for reopening, or what concrete response, if any, the state government has offered.