Nigeria Catholic parish, hospital and 3 schools suspend activities indefinitely amid insecurity

GBOKA, Nigeria — The Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Nigeria has suspended operations at three schools, a parish, and a hospital amid persistent insecurity in the area, expressing regret that the unavoidable suspension will affect communities.

The institutions listed in a pastoral letter and decree issued Oct. 12, include St. Winifred Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Thomas Hospital, the hospital chaplaincy, Subin Mind Care Center, and St. Winifred Parish, all located in Ihugh within the diocese.

The decree, which took effect immediately provides for the withdrawal of all diocesan personnel serving in the affected institutions, including priests, consecrated persons, catechists, pastoral workers, teachers, medical personnel, and administrative staff.

In the decree, Bishop William Amove Avenya directs that the personnel be reassigned or redeployed, adding that no one would be permitted to resume duties or exercise ministry on behalf of the diocese in Ihugh without his written authorization.

The decree states that the closure is “temporary in intent, though indefinite in duration,” and will remain in force until the bishop, in consultation with his…