Fresh concerns over worsening insecurity around the Federal Capital Territory have emerged following an attack by suspected bandits on two Catholic priests at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Unity Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
The attack occurred in the early hours of the day when armed assailants stormed the parish house at about 2:30 a.m. and assaulted the priests. The Parish Priest reportedly escaped unhurt.
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 also reported to be battling a partial stroke.
Both priests were immediately taken to Nativity Catholic Hospital, Jikwoyi, Abuja, where they received urgent medical care.
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 this report, both priests were said to be in stable condition and responding to treatment.
Reacting to the incident, the Abuja Grand Commandery of the Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International condemned the attack, describing it as a brutal assault on innocent clergy and a disturbing sign of the deteriorating security situation around Abuja and neighbouring states.
The condemnation was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Grand President, Brig. Gen. Francis Ulonna Njoku (rtd), and the Grand Secretary, Col. Etta Peters (rtd).
The Order warned that the incident was part of a growing pattern of attacks on places of worship and religious leaders within the FCT and adjoining states, calling on security agencies to immediately investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.
KSJI also urged governments at all levels to strengthen security around religious institutions and communities to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
The Abuja Grand Commandery expressed solidarity with the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, the clergy and parishioners of St. Rita’s Catholic Church, and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured priests and for lasting peace and security in the country.
