Bandits have attacked two Catholic priests at the parish house of St. Rita Catholic Church in Unity Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, raising fresh concerns over insecurity around the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The attack occurred around 2:30 am when armed assailants invaded the parish residence, stabbed the priests and left them in pools of blood, while the parish priest narrowly escaped unhurt.
The victims were identified as Rev Fr Comas Baye, the priest-in-residence, and Rev Fr Chris Pever, a visiting priest and former assistant priest of the parish.
Baye, who is a cadet of the Knights of St. John International, was said to be battling a partial stroke following the attack.
Both priests were rushed to Nativity Catholic Hospital in Jikwoyi, Abuja, where they received emergency medical care.
Pever sustained severe injuries, including a fracture to 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.
Reacting to the incident, the Abuja Grand Commandery of the Knights of St. John International condemned the attack, describing it as a vicious assault on innocent clergy.
In a statement signed by Francis Ulonna Njoku, grand president, and Etta Peters, grand secretary, the order said the incident reflected the worsening insecurity around Abuja and neighbouring states.
“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 attack was part of a disturbing pattern of violence against 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 said.
The group called on relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the incident and ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted.
“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,” it added.
The order also urged governments at all levels to strengthen security around religious institutions and communities.
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 and lasting peace.