Terrorists attacked two Catholic priests at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Unity Estate, in the Mararaba area of Nasarawa State.
The attack took place in the early morning when the terrorists broke into the parish house around 2:30 a.m. and attacked the priests, while the parish priest was said to have escaped unharmed.
The individuals were recognized as Rev. Fr. Comas Baye, the resident priest and a member of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI), along with Rev. Fr. Chris Pever, a guest priest and ex-assistant priest of the parish. It seems that you haven’t provided the text you want me to paraphrase. Please share the content you’d like me to work on! Baye was additionally said to be struggling with a partial stroke.
Both priests were quickly taken to Nativity Catholic Hospital in Jikwoyi, Abuja, where they were given prompt medical care.
Rev. Father. Pever suffered significant injuries, including a broken left arm, and had a successful surgery for an implant procedure.
At the time this report was filed, both priests were reported to be in stable condition and responding to their treatment.
In response to the incident, the Abuja Grand Commandery of the Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International vehemently condemned the attack by the terrorists, describing it as a brutal assault on innocent clergy and a troubling sign of the worsening security situation in Abuja and its surrounding states.
The denunciation was included in a declaration co-signed by the Grand President, Brig. Gen. Francis Ulonna Njoku (rtd), and the Grand Secretary, Col. Etta Peters (rtd).
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous and reprehensible attack on Catholic priests at the Parish House of St. Rita Catholic Church, Unity Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State,” the statement read.
The Knights cautioned that the event was not an isolated case but rather part of a concerning trend of assaults on places of worship and faith leaders in the FCT and neighboring states.
“This attack is not only against innocent clergy but also a direct affront to the sanctity of human life, religious institutions, and the moral fabric of our society,” the statement added.
KSJI urged security agencies to promptly look into the attack, capture the offenders, and guarantee they are swiftly brought to justice.
The Order additionally urged governments at every level to enhance security for religious institutions and communities, cautioning that a lack of decisive action could result in similar incidents happening again.
The Abuja Grand Commandery showed support for the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, the clergy and members of St. Rita Catholic Church, and prayed for the swift healing of the wounded priests, along with enduring peace and security in the nation.
