Gisaor Condemns Attacks on Catholic Institutions In Ihugh, Calls For Stakeholders’ Intervention
The Executive Director (Housing Finance and Account) of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Abuja, Dr. Vincent Iorja Gisaor, has condemned the recurring attacks on Catholic institutions in Ihugh, calling for urgent intervention by relevant stakeholders to restore peace and prevent further incidents.
Gisaor expressed concern over the reported attacks, which reportedly prompted the Catholic Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. William Amove Avenya, to order the temporary closure of the affected institutions.
Describing the incidents as unwarranted and unacceptable, particularly in the peaceful Mbadede community, the FHA director questioned the circumstances surrounding the attacks, insisting that the people of Mbadede should not be stigmatised or collectively blamed for the actions of individuals.
He maintained that the community was neither cursed nor deserving of condemnation, expressing confidence that the situation could be resolved through dialogue, understanding and collective action.
Gisaor noted that other Catholic institutions operating within Mbadede, including St. Peter's Secondary School, Mede; Ray of Hope Academy, Ivenge; and Agber Abenga Medical Centre, Ivenge, had continued their operations without similar incidents.
He expressed concern that a disagreement reportedly involving a family and a school had escalated to a level capable of disrupting educational activities and damaging the reputation of the wider community.
The director questioned why the immediate community had been unable to resolve the dispute, particularly as it reportedly involved issues relating to the school's corporate social responsibility.
He stressed that the people of Mbadede were peace-loving and should not suffer collective blame or reputational damage over a dispute involving a family.
To address the situation, Gisaor called for an urgent meeting involving all relevant stakeholders to examine the underlying issues, restore peace and develop a lasting solution that would guarantee the safety of the affected institutions and ensure the uninterrupted continuation of their activities.
He also sympathised with the Catholic Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. William Amove Avenya, Catholic faithful, and the heads and management of the affected institutions over the incidents.
Gisaor extended his sympathies to the Parents-Teachers Association, parents and students affected by the inferno, expressing concern over the distress and disruption caused by the incidents.
He urged all parties to embrace dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence, emphasising the need to protect the interests of the community, preserve the operations of the affected institutions and safeguard the future of students and Catholic faithful in the area.
