Fire Tears Through Beloved Hostel at St. Winifred Girls’ School, Ihugh
On the night of October 28, 2025, a devastating fire engulfed one of the most cherished hostels at St. Winifred Girls’ Secondary School, Ihugh, Benue State.
The blaze reduced the vital accommodation to smoldering ruins, shaking the entire school community to its core.
According to eye witness report, “This hostel was much more than bricks and mortar; it was a sanctuary where young girls found safety, friendship, and the freedom to dream beyond their immediate realities.”
“Though miraculously, no lives were lost in the tragedy, the emotional and physical destruction weighs heavily on everyone.”
Principal, Reverend Father Isaac Shalegh expressed profound sorrow, calling the lost building “one of the most beautiful” and essential to the school’s identity.
The incident has spurred an emergency response: a one-week mid-term break starting October 30, giving the school time to regroup and prepare for a safe return on November 8. Senior students preparing for critical exams will remain on campus during this period to ensure their studies continue uninterrupted.
Grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support from parents and the community, the school now calls on the Benue State Government, corporate organizations, NGOs, and individuals to assist with urgently needed rebuilding efforts. St. Winifred Girls’ Secondary School stands as a beacon of female education and growth in the region, and together, its community is determined to rise stronger from this trial.
The fire may have destroyed a building, but it has ignited a powerful flame of resilience, hope, and unity—a testament to the enduring spirit of the young women whose futures remain bright despite this dark night.Would you like this rewritten to include direct quotes or personal testimonies from students or parents?
