Two Catholic priests were seriously injured in an attack by armed bandits at the St. Rita Catholic Church parish house in Unity Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, near Abuja, in the early hours of December 30, 2025.
The assailants reportedly forced their way into the residence around 2:30 a.m. before stabbing the clergymen and fleeing.
The victims were identified as Rev. Fr. Comas Baye, the resident priest and a cadet of the Knights of St. John International, and Rev. Fr. Chris Pever, a visiting priest and former assistant of the parish.
Fr. Pever sustained a fractured left arm requiring surgery. Both priests were rushed to Nativity Catholic Hospital in Jikwoyi, Abuja, where they are now reported to be stable and recovering.
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The Abuja Grand Commandery of the Knights of St. John International denounced the attack as “heinous, barbaric, and reprehensible,” warning that it underscores the increasing security risks around the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring areas.
Local residents and parishioners expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of violent crime in Mararaba, urging authorities to step up security to protect lives and church properties.
Security agencies have launched an investigation to apprehend the perpetrators.