Bandits have attacked two Catholic priests at the Parish House of St. Rita Catholic Church, Unity Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, a community on the outskirts of Abuja, raising renewed concerns over worsening insecurity around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of the morning, around 2:30 a.m., when armed assailants forcefully gained access to the parish residence. The attackers stabbed the two priests and fled, leaving them seriously injured, while the Parish Priest narrowly escaped unharmed.
The victims were identified as Rev. Fr. Comas Baye, the priest in residence and a Cadet of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI), and Rev. Fr. Chris Pever, a visiting priest and former Assistant Priest of the parish. Fr. Baye was said to be battling complications related to a partial stroke following the attack.
Both priests were immediately rushed to Nativity Catholic Hospital, Jikwoyi, Abuja, where they received urgent medical care. Rev. Fr. Pever sustained severe injuries, including a fracture to his left arm, and successfully underwent a surgical implant procedure.
As of the time of filing this report, both priests were said to be in stable condition and responding positively to treatment.
Reacting to the incident, the Abuja Grand Commandery of the Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a vicious assault on innocent clergy and a troubling indicator of growing insecurity in Abuja and neighbouring states.
The condemnation was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Grand President, Brig. Gen. Francis Ulonna Njoku, and the Grand Secretary, Col. Etta Peters.
The Order warned that the attack was not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of violence targeting places of worship and religious leaders within the FCT and surrounding states. It called on security agencies to urgently investigate the incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure they are brought to justice.
KSJI also urged governments at all levels to strengthen security around religious institutions and vulnerable communities, warning against a recurrence of mass abductions and similar violent attacks.
The Abuja Grand Commandery expressed solidarity with the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, the clergy, and the faithful of St. Rita Catholic Church, while offering prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured priests and for lasting peace in the region.
