Traditional rulers and community leaders in Jechiara, Benue State, have publicly apologised to the Catholic Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev. William Amove Avenya, over repeated attacks on St Winifred Girls’ Secondary School, I lugh, and appealed to him to reconsider the closure of Catholic institutions in the community.
Bishop Avenya ordered the closure of the institutions on October 12, 2026, following repeated arson attacks, security concerns and unsuccessful efforts to secure a lasting resolution with community, traditional and security authorities. The closure, which took effect immediately until further notice, was intended to protect priests, religious, teachers, medical personnel, students and patients from further danger.
The bishop described the decision as a painful measure rather than an act of retaliation, following recurring incidents that had raised serious concerns about the safety of people and property in the area. The appeal for reconsideration followed an emergency expanded stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday, October 20, at Uganden Village, Vandeikya Local Government Area, where participants condemned the repeated burning of the school and pledged measures to prevent further attacks.
In a communiqué dated October 22 and signed by the Tor Jechiara II, HRH Chief Engr. Edward I. Ujege, MFR, FNSE, the traditional council described the destruction of the school on four occasions as barbaric and unacceptable. The meeting commended Bishop Avenya for establishing and sustaining Catholic educational and healthcare institutions in Jechiara, including St Winifred Girls’ Secondary School, St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St Winifred Catholic Church and St Thomas Catholic Hospital, all in I lugh, as well as Bishop Usuh University in Vandeikya.
The stakeholders also resolved to constitute a high-powered delegation to visit Bishop Avenya and formally present the outcome of their deliberations. The meeting was attended by members of the Jechiara Intermediate Area Traditional Council, development associations, the chairmen of Vandeikya and Konshisha local government areas, divisional police officers from I lugh and Vandeikya, clergy and other prominent sons and daughters of Jechiara.
The communiqué was signed by Chief Ujege; HRH Chief Nyinyongo Achiaku, Ter Kunav; and HRH Chief Emmanuel Akpoughol, Acting Ter Ikyor. The council also appealed for the reopening of the Catholic church and hospital in the town, saying their closure had affected residents’ access to worship and essential healthcare services. As part of its resolutions, the meeting called for the prosecution of four persons identified as suspects in connection with the incidents: Orshi Gbanger, John Chia, Tordue Gaadi Chia and Iorpuu Iorliam. The chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Area was mandated to facilitate their prosecution before a court of competent jurisdiction, in accordance with due process. The communiqué did not establish the guilt of the named individuals.
The stakeholders further resolved that security personnel at the school should be increased to provide round-the-clock surveillance, while a perimeter fence should be constructed at the rear of the premises to strengthen protection. A fundraising committee is also to be established to mobilise contributions from Jechiara indigenes, their spouses, friends and other well-wishers for the renovation and rehabilitation of the damaged school.
The meeting urged host communities of Catholic schools, hospitals and other facilities in Jechiara to refrain from placing undue pressure on the institutions or making unnecessary demands for scholarships, free medical services, burial assistance and other forms of support. On land transactions, the council resolved to prohibit land merchants from demanding additional payments after completing sales, whether directly or through their children, relatives or other agents. It called on Jechiara indigenes serving in local government and state legislative assemblies to pursue appropriate legislation against such practices. The traditional council said it would impose traditional sanctions on those who violate its established rules on land transactions.
These developments come at a time when the safety of Catholic missions and schools in Benue State remains a pressing concern, with the recent attacks prompting calls for swift justice and community reconciliation. The leaders’ decision to seek the bishop’s forgiveness while demanding the prosecution of identified suspects reflects a desire for accountability without escalating into further conflict. As the Catholic Church continues to provide vital educational and healthcare services across the state, the appeal for the reopening of I lugh Mission offers hope that dialogue can bring lasting peace to the community.
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