In a brazen act of violence, armed bandits have attacked and seriously wounded two Catholic priests at their parish residence in Nasarawa State, close to the nation's capital.
Details of the Early Morning Assault
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, December 30, 2025. A group of armed assailants stormed the Parish House of St. Rita Catholic Church, Unity Estate, Mararaba, which is located in Nasarawa State near Abuja.
During the violent invasion, two priests were assaulted and sustained serious injuries. It was reported that the Parish Priest of the church managed to escape the attack unharmed.
Victims Identified and Injuries Sustained
The two victims of the attack have been identified as Rev. Fr. Comas Baye and Rev. Fr. Chris Pever.
Fr. Comas Baye, who is the priest in residence and a Cadet of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI), suffered severe complications from the assault. Reports indicate he experienced a partial stroke following the attack.
Fr. Chris Pever, a visiting priest and former Assistant Priest of the parish, sustained grave injuries including a fracture to his left arm. He subsequently underwent a successful surgical implant procedure at the hospital.
Both clergymen were rushed immediately to Nativity Catholic Hospital in Jikwoyi, Abuja for urgent medical attention. Sources have confirmed that the two priests are now in stable condition and are responding positively to treatment.
Strong Condemnation and Call for Action
The Abuja Grand Commandery of the Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International has issued a strong statement condemning the attack. The statement was jointly signed by the Grand President, Brigadier General Francis Ulonna Njoku, and the Grand Secretary, Colonel Etta Peters.
They described the assault as "heinous, barbaric, and reprehensible" and a direct attack on innocent clergy. The Order warned that this was not an isolated event but part of a disturbing trend of attacks targeting places of worship and religious leaders in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states.
The statement further read: "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 Knights made several urgent demands:
- Relevant security agencies must investigate the attack without delay.
- The perpetrators must be apprehended and brought to justice.
- Governments at all levels must strengthen security around religious institutions to prevent recurrence.
The Order expressed solidarity with the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, the clergy, and the faithful of St. Rita Catholic Church. They also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured priests and for lasting peace in the affected communities.
