The Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of Gboko Diocese has formally seconded a motion moved by the Ter Kunav, His Royal Highness Chief Nyinongo Achiaku, calling for the relocation of St. Winifred’s Girls Secondary School in Ihugh to a safer location.
The traditional ruler’s motion, which has now received the backing of the Catholic women, cites the repeated incidents of arson, fear, trauma, pain and sorrow that have plagued the school community as reasons why remaining on the current site has become unbearable for students, staff and residents of the area.
St. Winifred’s Girls Secondary School has been at the centre of growing concern following a series of fire outbreaks that destroyed buildings and forced many students to flee the premises under distressing circumstances. The successive incidents left pupils and their parents in a state of anxiety, with some students temporarily transferred to other institutions while others returned home for safety.
The continuous nature of the attacks has intensified calls for decisive action. Community leaders and stakeholders have argued that the psychological and physical toll on young girls, teachers and the wider Ihugh community can no longer be ignored. The motion by the Ter Kunav reflects this shared sense of urgency and seeks a practical solution that prioritises the safety and well-being of the students.
By seconding the motion, the Catholic Women Organisation has added its institutional voice to the demand for relocation. The group’s support underscores the depth of concern within the Church community, particularly among mothers and female faithful who view the protection of the girls as a collective responsibility.
The development comes against the backdrop of earlier peaceful protests by members of the CWO and students of related Catholic institutions in Vandeikya, who marched through the town and visited the palace of the Ter Kunav to appeal for intervention over the prolonged closure and insecurity affecting Catholic facilities in the area.
Observers note that the combined pressure from traditional authority and organised Catholic women could accelerate discussions between the diocese, state government, security agencies and community leaders on the future of the school. While details of any proposed alternative site have not yet been made public, the growing consensus points to the need for a secure environment where teaching and learning can continue without the constant threat of violence.
For many parents and guardians, the priority remains the safety of their daughters. The endorsement of the relocation motion by the CWO is being seen as a significant step towards finding a lasting solution that places the welfare of the students above every other consideration.
