Join our WhatsApp channel HERE for the latest Benue news and updates!
Tragedy struck St. Winifred Girls’ Secondary School in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, as an entire hostel building was completely gutted by fire late last night while students were engaged in night preparations for ongoing examinations. The cause of the inferno remains unknown, with investigations yet to commence.
In a statement released by the school management and signed under the authority of Queen-Eva Doosh, the institution confirmed the total destruction of the hostel but expressed profound gratitude that no lives were lost. “To the glory of God, no lives were lost, only properties were affected,” the statement read, urging the public to keep the school community in prayers during this difficult time.
The fire, which broke out under circumstances yet to be determined, rapidly engulfed the building, leaving behind a scene of charred remains and smoldering debris. Eyewitness accounts describe a frantic but orderly evacuation, with students and staff working together to ensure everyone’s safety amid the chaos.
The hostel housed a significant number of boarding students, many of whom have now lost personal belongings, academic materials, and uniforms ahead of their examinations. The timing of the incident has compounded anxieties, as students were deep into revision for critical papers.
Local authorities and emergency services responded promptly, though the intensity of the blaze made containment challenging. By dawn, the structure was reduced to ruins, marking a devastating blow to one of Benue’s respected missionary secondary schools, known for academic excellence and moral upbringing.
The school management has appealed for calm and support as they assess the damage and plan immediate interventions. Rebuilding efforts, temporary accommodation for displaced students, and replacement of lost items now top the priority list.
St. Winifred’s, under the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, has long stood as a beacon of discipline and scholarly achievement in the region. This incident, while heartbreaking, has also highlighted the resilience of its community—students, staff, and parents united in faith and hope.
As the people of Ihugh and Benue State rally in solidarity, the road to recovery begins. The school remains a symbol of perseverance, and with collective support, it will rise again—stronger, just as its motto declares: Perseverance Brings Success.
