IHUGH, Benue State – The management of St. Winifred’s Girls’ Secondary School, Ihugh, has announced the temporary relocation of its students to other Catholic schools in the Gboko Diocese. The announcement follows the school’s closure after a fourth fire incident. Students are expected to resume on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Where Each Class Has Been Placed
According to the letter, the placements are as follows:
| Class | New School |
|---|---|
| Basic 7 and SSS 2 | Queen of the Rosary Secondary School, Gboko |
| Basic 8 and 9 | St. Mary Girls’ Secondary School, Adikpo |
| SSS 1 | Our Lady of Apostles Girls’ Secondary School, Vandeikya |
| SSS 3 | Notre Dame Secondary School, Mkar |
Parents and guardians are advised to confirm reporting details directly with the school management before the resumption date.
Why the Students Are Being Moved
The management said the decision followed a meeting with the Bishop and the Director of Catholic Education Services, Gboko Diocese. It is also in line with the Bishop’s “Pastoral Letter and Decree on the Temporary Closure of Catholic Institutions and the Withdrawal of Pastoral Agents from Ihugh.”
The school said the arrangement is temporary, pending further decisions by the Church on the school’s future. It cited the security and safety surrounding the school’s location. Management also expressed regret over the inconvenience and uncertainty the situation has caused families, and promised that communication channels will be set up between parents or guardians and the school management.
Staff to Support Students at New Locations
Following the Bishop’s decree on affected staff, some teaching and non-teaching staff have been assigned to the host schools. They will support teaching and learning and give guidance to the relocated students.
Background: Four Fires in the School Community
As Daily Talk reported earlier, Bishop William Amove Avenya ordered the closure of the school, its mission hospital and the local parish after a fourth fire. The school’s principal, Rev. Fr. Isaac Ishalegh, had earlier apologised to students and parents in an open letter. He said some students did not reach home until late at night after the latest incident.
Earlier this year, Leadership newspaper reported that three fires had destroyed hostels at the school within six months. It described the school as the first and only girls’ secondary school in Vandeikya Local Government Area, in Benue State.
The cause of the fires has not been officially established. No arrests or official statements from the police or the state government had been reported in the sources reviewed.
Safety and Girls’ Education in Focus
The development has renewed attention on school safety and girls’ access to education. Daily Talk has also reported on how one school group is building a culture of safety and safeguarding, and on a call by journalists for greater investment in girls’ education, health and protection. In a separate story on fire safety, Obaseki called for stronger safety measures after a fire in Benin. Stakeholders have also canvassed public-private partnership to reduce the out-of-school population.
What Parents and Guardians Should Do
- Confirm reporting requirements with the host school before Friday, October 23.
- Contact the school management through its official website or the contact details on its letterhead for updates.
- Follow official announcements for any further decisions by the Church.
What Happens Next
The school has not said when, or whether, it will reopen in Ihugh. For now, the relocation is a stopgap to keep students’ education going. This report will be updated as new information is released.
Sources: Official letter from the management of St. Winifred’s Girls’ Secondary School, Ihugh (October 17, 2026); Daily Talk; Leadership.