Bandits Attack Catholic Parish In Nasarawa, Injure 2 Priests

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

The attack occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday when armed assailants stormed the parish residence. While two priests were assaulted and sustained serious injuries, the Parish Priest narrowly escaped the attack.

The victims 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.

Following the attack, both priests were rushed to Nativity Catholic Hospital in Jikwoyi, Abuja, for emergency treatment. Fr. Baye reportedly suffered complications, including a partial stroke, while Fr. Pever sustained multiple injuries, notably a fracture to his left arm, for which he underwent a successful surgical implant procedure. Hospital sources confirmed that both priests are currently 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 reflection of the growing insecurity in and around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement signed by its Grand President, Brigadier General Francis Ulonna Njoku, and Grand Secretary, Colonel Etta Peters, the Order said the attack was “heinous, barbaric, and reprehensible,” warning that it formed part of a disturbing pattern of violence against places of worship and religious leaders in the FCT and neighbouring States.

The Order called on security agencies to swiftly investigate the incident, arrest those responsible, and ensure they are prosecuted. It also urged governments at all levels to strengthen security around religious institutions and communities to prevent further attacks.

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