The management of St. Winifred Girls’ Secondary School, Ihugh, in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, has announced the temporary relocation of its students to other Catholic schools within the Gboko Diocese following security concerns surrounding the institution.
The relocation arrangement, announced in a notice dated October 17, 2026, is in line with the pastoral letter and decree issued by the Catholic Bishop of Gboko Diocese on the temporary closure of Catholic institutions and withdrawal of pastoral agents from Ihugh. According to the school management, the decision followed consultations with the Bishop and the Director of Catholic Education Services, Gboko Diocese, to ensure the continued education and safety of the affected students.
Under the arrangement, Basic 7 and Senior Secondary School (SSS) 2 students will resume at Queen of the Rosary Secondary School, Gboko, while Basic 8 and Basic 9 students will be accommodated at St. Mary Girls’ Secondary School, Adikpo. Similarly, SSS 1 students will continue their studies at Our Lady of Apostles Girls’ Secondary School, Vandeikya, while SSS 3 students will be relocated to Notre Dame Secondary School, Mkar.
The management directed all affected students to resume at their respective schools on Friday, October 23, 2026. It, however, stressed that the arrangement was temporary, pending further decisions by the Church on the future of the institution, particularly in view of the security situation in the area.
The school management expressed regret over the inconvenience and uncertainty caused by the emergency arrangement, while appreciating parents and guardians for their patience, understanding and continued trust during the difficult period. It also disclosed that appropriate communication channels would be established to facilitate effective communication between parents and guardians and the school management.
In line with the Bishop’s decree concerning affected staff members, some teaching and non-teaching personnel of St. Winifred Girls’ Secondary School have also been assigned to the respective host schools to support teaching and learning and provide guidance to the students at their temporary locations. The management reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and education of the students, while entrusting them, their families and staff members to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Winifred, the school’s patron saint, and the care of God.
