Tor Tiv Decries Attacks On Catholic Facilities

The chairman, Benue State Council of Chiefs, Prof. James Ayatse, has condemned the repeated burning of Catholic Diocese of Gboko facilities in Ihugh, Mbadede, Vandeikya local government area of the state.

A statement signed by his special assistant on Media/ICT, Freddie Adamgbe yesterday said the Tor Tiv called on relevant security agencies and the leadership of the Jerchira and Vandeikya (Kyan) traditional councils to immediately collaborate and fish out the culprits.

“They should also create the enabling environment for the early return of the services withdrawn by the Diocese,” he said.

The statement urged traditional rulers and community leaders across Tiv land to be more proactive in securing their domains and ensure that perpetrators of such are held for the collective good.

Part of the statement said, “The Tor Tiv condemns in its totality the repeated and senseless burning of Catholic facilities in Ihugh, Mbadede, Vandeikya Local Government Area. This is barbaric, unacceptable and alien to the Tiv character.

“His Majesty warns that any traditional ruler who condones or allows such deviant behaviors to fester in his domain without decisive action would be held accountable by the Tiv Area Traditional Council. The Tor Tiv prays for peace in Ihugh and Tivland in general.”

The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has indefinitely closed its institutions in Ihugh, Benue State, citing persistent attacks.

Bishop William Avenya had in a pastoral letter dated October 12, 2026 listed the affected institutions as St. Winifred Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Thomas Hospital, Salus Mind Care Center, and St. Winifred Parish.