30th December 2025/ News
Two Catholic priests have been injured after suspected bandits stormed the Parish House of St. Rita Catholic Church, Unity Estate, Mararaba, in Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday.
SUNTV Global Channel learnt that the attack occurred at about 2:30 a.m. when armed assailants invaded the parish residence and assaulted the priests. The Parish Priest reportedly escaped unhurt during the incident.
The injured priests 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.
Sources disclosed that Fr. Baye suffered serious complications, including a partial stroke, while Fr. Pever sustained severe injuries, notably a fracture to his left arm. Both priests were immediately rushed to Nativity Catholic Hospital, Jikwoyi, Abuja, where they received urgent medical attention. Fr. Pever reportedly underwent a successful surgical implant procedure.
Medical sources confirmed that the two priests are currently in stable condition and responding positively to treatment.
Reacting to the incident, the Abuja Grand Commandery of the Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a brutal assault on innocent clergy and a grim reminder of the worsening security situation around Abuja and neighbouring states.
In a statement jointly signed by the Grand President, Brigadier General Francis Ulonna Njoku, and the Grand Secretary, Colonel Etta Peters, the Order said the attack was “heinous, barbaric, and reprehensible,” warning that it reflects a growing pattern of assaults on places of worship and religious leaders within the Federal Capital Territory 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 read.
The Knights called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, arrest the perpetrators, and ensure they are brought to justice. They also urged governments at all levels to strengthen security around religious institutions and communities to prevent further attacks.
The Order expressed solidarity with the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, the clergy, and parishioners of St. Rita Catholic Church, while offering prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured priests and lasting peace in the affected areas.
— SUNTV Global Channel
