Two Priests injured in a fresh Bandit attack on Nasarawa Catholic Parish

Suspected bandits have attacked the Parish House of St. Rita Catholic Church in Unity Estate, Mararraba, Nasarawa State, leaving two Catholic priests seriously injured.

The incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday when armed assailants stormed the parish residence. During the attack, two priests were assaulted, while the Parish Priest reportedly escaped narrowly.

The injured clerics were identified as Rev. Fr. Comas Baye, the resident priest 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.

Both victims were immediately taken to the Nativity Catholic Hospital in Jikwoyi, Abuja, for emergency medical care. Medical sources disclosed that Fr. Baye suffered serious complications, including a partial stroke, while Fr. Pever sustained multiple injuries, notably a fracture to his left arm, which required surgical implantation. Hospital officials confirmed that the two priests are currently in stable condition and responding to treatment.

Reacting to the attack, the Abuja Grand Commandery of the Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a brutal assault on innocent clergy and a troubling indication of worsening insecurity in and around the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement jointly signed by the Grand President, Brigadier General Francis Ulonna Njoku, and the Grand Secretary, Colonel Etta Peters, the Order characterised the attack as heinous, barbaric and reprehensible, warning that it reflects a growing pattern of violence targeting places of worship and religious leaders in the FCT and neighbouring states.

The Knights called on security agencies to conduct a swift investigation, apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice. They also urged governments at all levels to strengthen security around religious institutions and vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks.

The Order expressed solidarity with the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, the clergy and parishioners of St. Rita Catholic Church, while offering prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured priests and lasting peace in the affected areas.