The Jechira Traditional Council held an emergency meeting on 20th October 2026, presided over by His Royal Highness Engr. Edward I. Ujege, MFR, FNSE, the Tor Jechira II and Chairman of the Jechira Intermediate Area Traditional Council.
The Council apologized to the Bishop for the repeated fire incidents at St. Winifred’s Girls Secondary School, Ihugh, which have now occurred four times. It also commended the Bishop for his timely decision to temporarily close the school, church and hospital in order to protect lives and property.
The Council called on the Local Government Chairmen to work with security agencies to arrest and prosecute four suspects identified in connection with the incidents: Orshi Gbanger, John Chia, Tordue Gaadi Chia and Iorpuu Iorliam.
Other resolutions reached include strengthening security around the school and constructing a perimeter fence behind the school premises; raising funds to renovate and repair the affected school facilities; banning the practice of selling land and later returning to extort more money from buyers; and warning against harassment and undue demands on Catholic schools and hospitals.
Finally, the Council resolved to send a delegation of elders to appeal to the Bishop to forgive and consider reopening the church, hospital and school.
The expanded emergency stakeholders meeting was attended by members of the Jechira Intermediate Area Traditional Council, Jechira Honorific Chieftaincy Title Holders, Jechira Development Association (JEDA), Mbadede Traditional Council and Mbadede Development Association, Mbaakune Development Association and Kingmakers, Kyor Development Association, Kunav United Development Association (KUDA), Shangev-Tiev Development Association (SHADA), Local Government Chairmen of Vandeikya and Konshisha LGAs, Divisional Police Officers of Ihugh and Vandeikya, Chief David Amoh, Chief E. K. Ashiakaa, SAN, Engr. Tachia Jooji, Chief Clement Azuanongo, Sir James Iorpuu and other illustrious sons of Jechira, as well as Rev. Frs. Cornelius Azor, Emmanuel Doki, Jacob Tondo, Iornyagh and Shalegh.
