Nigeria, Oct. 13 -- The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has closed four institutions in Ihugh, a community in Benue State, and withdrawn its priests, religious sisters and other personnel over repeated attacks and destruction of church properties.

The affected institutions are St Winifred Secondary School, St Thomas Hospital and Salus Mudi Care Centre, St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, and St Winifred Parish.

The decision was announced in a pastoral letter and decree signed by the Bishop of Gboko, William Avenya, and the diocesan chancellor, Marcellinus Wende, and dated 12 October.

The diocese said the closure would remain in place until further notice, pending the restoration of peace and credible assurances of safety for its personne...