From Premium Times Nigeria · Manasseh Mbachii · · 2m
Benue Catholic school relocates students
Benue Catholic school moves students to temporary schools after four hostel fires.
In brief
Benue Catholic school moves students to temporary schools after four hostel fires. Benue Catholic school temporarily relocated students to four Catholic schools in Benue State following four hostel fires and security concerns. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Relocation decision
St Winifred Girls Secondary School in Ihugh, Benue State temporarily relocated students to four Catholic schools across the state.
Reason for relocation
The school moved students after repeated hostel fires and security concerns at its location.
Relocation timeline
Students will return to temporary schools on 23 October 2026 following the decision.
Student placements
Basic 7 students attend Queen of the Rosary Secondary School in Gboko, while Basic 8 and 9 students move to St Mary Girls’ Secondary School in Adikpo.
SSS placements
SSS 1 students attend Our Lady of Apostles Girls’ Secondary School in Vandeikya, while SSS 3 students go to Notre Dame Secondary School in Mkar.
Temporary arrangement
The school said the relocation is temporary pending further Church decisions on its future.
Staff support
Some teaching and non-teaching staff have been assigned to temporary schools to support students.
Apology to parents
The school management apologised for disruption and promised communication channels for families.
Four fires
The diocese cited four hostel fires on 28 October 2025, 10 May 2026, 15 May 2026 and 11 October 2026.
Diocese closure
The Catholic Diocese of Gboko closed St Winifred Girls Secondary School and other institutions in Ihugh.
Bishop's decree
Bishop William Avenya signed a pastoral letter and decree closing institutions in Ihugh on 12 October 2026.
Security concerns
The diocese reported repeated burglaries at St Winifred Parish and criminal incidents at St Thomas Hospital.
Community efforts
The diocese engaged community leaders, traditional rulers and security authorities to resolve security issues.
Principal's apology
Principal Isaac Shalegh apologised for repeated incidents and disruption to students' education.
Failed assurances
Community stakeholders had promised damaged buildings would be reconstructed within three months by September 2026.
Latest incident
Students noticed suspicious activity on Friday, 9 October 2026, before a fire on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
Student impact
Students fled the school in distress on Sunday, 11 October 2026, arriving home as late as 11 p.m.
What it means
Benue Catholic school temporarily relocated students to four Catholic schools in Benue State following four hostel fires and security concerns.
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