Mystery Fires Destroy Three Hostels at Benue Girls’ School in Six Months

Parents of students at St. Winifred’s Girls’ Secondary School in Benue are worried after three mysterious fires destroyed three hostels within six months, despite government intervention and ongoing investigations.

Fear and uncertainty have gripped parents and guardians of students at St. Winifred’s Girls’ Secondary School, Ihugh, in Benue State, after three separate fire outbreaks destroyed three hostel buildings within six months.

The school, located in Vandeikya Local Government Area, is the only girls’ secondary school in the area and has long been regarded as a safe place for learning. However, the repeated incidents have shaken the confidence of many families, with some now questioning whether to return their daughters to the institution.

The first fire occurred on October 29, 2025, when an entire hostel was destroyed during evening study hours. Fortunately, no lives were lost, although students lost valuable belongings. Following the incident, the Benue State Government visited the school, assessed the damage, and provided N20 million in support. Half of the amount was allocated to the school management, while the remaining half was meant to assist affected students.

Many parents believed the tragedy was a one-time occurrence and hoped investigations and improved safety measures would prevent a recurrence. However, another fire reportedly broke out months later, followed by a third incident on May 12, 2026. The latest fire started around 11 a.m. after students had returned to their classrooms, leaving another hostel completely destroyed.

School authorities said emergency measures were immediately activated, but the fire consumed the entire building. Students lost books, clothing, food supplies, mattresses, and other personal belongings. Although no casualties were recorded, the repeated destruction has caused emotional distress among students and their families.

One parent, Margaret, said her daughter has struggled emotionally since the incident and is afraid of returning to school. She explained that the loss of personal belongings and fear of another fire have left many students traumatised.

The school management later informed parents that those allegedly responsible for the three hostel fires had been identified and that law enforcement authorities had ordered their arrest. Community leaders, traditional rulers, the local government chairman, and police officials have also become involved in efforts to address the situation.

To restore confidence, the school has introduced new security measures and announced plans for the gradual resumption of academic activities. Management also scheduled a stakeholders’ meeting involving parents, teachers, and community leaders to discuss the crisis and ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Despite these assurances, many parents remain concerned and are waiting to see whether the promised security improvements and investigations will provide lasting solutions before fully trusting the school environment again.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, LEADERSHIP