Two Catholic Priests Stabbed in Early-Morning Attack in Nasarawa
Two Catholic clergymen were seriously injured after suspected armed assailants stormed the parish house of St. Rita Catholic Church in Unity Estate, Mararaba, near Abuja, in the early hours of Tuesday.
The incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m., when the attackers forced their way into the residence and stabbed the visiting priests, leaving both men bleeding inside the compound. The parish priest himself escaped the assault unharmed.
The victims have been 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.
Medical Treatment and Condition
Emergency responders rushed both priests to Nativity Catholic Hospital in Jikwoyi, Abuja, where they received urgent care. Fr. Pever suffered a severe fracture to his left arm and underwent a successful surgical implant procedure, while Fr. Baye was also treated and stabilised. Hospital sources reported that both men were in stable condition and responding to treatment.
Condemnation and Security Calls
The Abuja Grand Commandery of the Knights of St. John International strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “heinous, barbaric, and reprehensible assault on innocent clergy.” The organisation expressed deep concern about the worsening security situation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring states.
In a statement signed by the Grand President and Grand Secretary, the Knights warned that the incident was not isolated but part of a troubling pattern of attacks targeting places of worship and religious leaders. They urged security agencies to swiftly investigate the incident, apprehend those responsible, and ensure they face justice.
The group also called on government authorities to strengthen security around religious institutions and vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks and protect lives.
Context of Insecurity
The attack in Mararaba highlights ongoing security challenges in Nasarawa State and around the nation’s capital region, where criminal bands and armed groups have increasingly targeted civilians, including worshippers and clergy.