The Catholic Archdiocese of Makurdi, Benue State, has ordered the immediate closure of Father Angus Frazer Memorial High School in Adeke, Makurdi, following an attack on the school by unknown gunmen.

Unidentified gunmen in the late hours of Tuesday, May 7, 2024, attacked the school but were repelled by personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

No life was lost but one of the security personnel sustained a non-life-threatening injury and is receiving medical treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

A press statement issued on May 8, 2024, by the Director of Social Communications of the Diocese, Very. Revd. Fr. Moses Iorapuu, directed the immediate suspension of all activities at the school until further notice.

Part of the statement reads: “Following the attack on Father Angus Frazer Memorial High School by unidentified gunmen, the Diocese of Makurdi ordered the immediate suspension of activities at the school to protect the lives of the students.

“The decision to suspend activities was a preemptive measure to ensure the safety of our children and avoid what could be an unimaginable disaster if not for the swift action of the school authority and the intervention of security personnel who repelled the attack.”

“The Director of Catholic Education Service of the Diocese was also mandated to reach out to relevant stakeholders. The Diocese has also directed priests and those in pastoral units to tighten security around their premises and appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizens.”

Father Angus Frazer Memorial High School is located along Welfare Quarters at Utuur Layout, Phase 3 area of Makurdi, which has become notorious for frequent attacks, killings and kidnappings by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Benue Catholic school shuts down after attack by gunmen