Bandits have attacked two Catholic priests at the Parish House of St. Rita Catholic Church, Unity Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, near Abuja, triggering fresh concerns over worsening insecurity around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Vanguard gathered that the attack occurred in the early hours of the day when armed assailants forcefully invaded the parish residence at about 2:30 a.m., stabbed the priests, and left them in pools of blood, 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 is said to be battling a partial stroke.

Both priests were immediately rushed to Nativity Catholic Hospital, Jikwoyi, in Abuja, where they received urgent medical attention.

Rev. Fr. Pever sustained severe injuries, including a fracture of his left arm, and successfully underwent a surgical implant procedure.

As of the time of reporting, both priests were said to be in stable condition and responding to treatment.

Knights react

The Abuja Grand Commandery of the Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International condemned the attack, describing It as a vicious assault on innocent clergy and a disturbing reflection of the growing insecurity around Abuja and its neighbouring states.

The condemnation was contained in a statement signed by the Grand President, Brig. Gen. Francis Ulonna Njoku, and the Grand Secretary, Col. Etta Peters.

“We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the heinous, barbaric, and reprehensible attack on Catholic priests at the Parish House of St. Rita Catholic Church, Unity Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State,” the statement said.

The Knights warned that the incident was not an isolated act of violence but part of a troubling pattern of attacks on places of worship and ministers of faith within the FCT and adjoining states.

“This vicious assault is not only a direct attack on innocent clergy but also a grave affront to the sanctity of human life, religious institutions, and the moral fabric of our society,” the statement added.

KSJI called on relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the attack, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure they are brought to justice without delay.

“We therefore call on the relevant security agencies to urgently and thoroughly investigate this incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that they are brought to justice without delay,” the statement noted.

The Order also urged governments at all levels to strengthen security around religious institutions and communities, warning against a recurrence of tragedies such as the Niger State school kidnapping and similar acts of terror.

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 healing, protection, and lasting peace. (Vanguard)