Jechira Council Seeks Prosecution of Four Suspects Over Repeated Burning of Ihugh Catholic School

The traditional council condemns four alleged arson attacks on St. Winifred Girls’ Secondary School and appeals to the Catholic Bishop of Gboko Diocese to reopen withdrawn institutions.

The Jechira Intermediate Area Traditional Council has called for the prosecution of four persons allegedly linked to the repeated burning of St. Winifred Girls’ Secondary School, Ihugh, in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.

The council made the call during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday, October 20, at Uganden Village, Vandeikya, where participants condemned the attacks and appealed to the Catholic Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. William Amove Avenya, to reconsider the withdrawal of affected Catholic institutions from the community.

The four persons named by the council are Orshi Gbanger, John Chia, Tordue Gaadi Chia and Iorpuu Iorliam. The council urged the chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Council to facilitate their prosecution before a competent court, in accordance with due process.

In a communiqué issued on Thursday, October 22, the council, led by the Tor Jechira II, HRM Engr. Edward I. Ujege, condemned what it described as four consecutive incidents of burning at the school, characterising the attacks as barbaric, inhuman and uncivilised.

Council Appeals to Catholic Bishop

The traditional council expressed regret over the incidents and apologised to Bishop Avenya, acknowledging the Catholic Church’s contributions to education and healthcare in Jechira land.

It also commended the bishop’s decision to close the affected Catholic institutions, recognising the measure as an effort to protect students, staff, priests and other members of the school community from further attacks.

The council subsequently appealed to the bishop to reconsider the withdrawal of the institutions and temporarily reopen the Catholic church and hospital in Ihugh to enable residents to resume worship and access essential healthcare services.

It further disclosed plans to send a high-powered delegation to the bishop to formally present the community’s resolutions and seek his forgiveness.

Security Measures, School Rehabilitation Planned

As part of efforts to prevent further attacks, the stakeholders resolved to strengthen security around St. Winifred Girls’ Secondary School through increased deployment of security personnel for round-the-clock surveillance.

They also proposed constructing a perimeter fence at the rear of the school to restrict access and improve protection.

To support the rehabilitation of the damaged institution, the council announced plans to establish a fundraising committee to mobilise contributions from Jechira indigenes, their spouses, friends and other well-wishers.

Council Moves Against Exploitation

Beyond the school attacks, the council resolved to discourage host communities from placing excessive demands on Catholic institutions for scholarships, free medical services, burial assistance and other forms of support.

It also pledged to strengthen traditional measures against land-related exploitation, particularly the practice of demanding additional payments after land transactions have been concluded.

The communiqué was signed by the Tor Jechira, HRM Engr. Edward I. Ujege; the Ter Kunav, HRH Chief Nyiyongo Achiaku; and the Acting Ter Ikyor, HRH Chief Emmanuel Akpoughol.

The council’s resolutions signal an effort to address the attacks, restore confidence and persuade the Catholic Church to resume its services in Ihugh.

Source:TNT.