In a brazen assault that has heightened fears over escalating insecurity on the outskirts of Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT), armed bandits stormed the parish house of St. Rita Catholic Church in Unity Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, seriously injuring two Catholic priests.
The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning when the assailants forcibly entered the parish residence. During the invasion, two priests were brutally assaulted and left with severe injuries, while the Parish Priest narrowly escaped unharmed. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and religious circles, raising fresh concerns about the safety of clergy and places of worship in areas bordering Abuja.
The victims have been identified as Rev. Fr. Comas Baye, the priest in residence and a cadet member of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI), and Rev. Fr. Chris Pever, a visiting priest who had previously served as an assistant priest at the parish. Fr. Baye reportedly suffered serious complications from the attack, including a partial stroke triggered by the trauma and physical assault. Fr. Pever sustained multiple severe injuries, most notably a fracture to his left arm that required immediate surgical intervention.
Following the attack, both priests were rushed to Nativity Catholic Hospital in Jikwoyi, Abuja, where they received urgent medical attention. Medical personnel at the facility successfully performed a surgical implant procedure on Fr. Pever's fractured arm. As of the latest updates, both clerics are in stable condition and are responding well to ongoing treatment and care.
The assault has been described by eyewitnesses and church sources as a targeted and violent intrusion, with the bandits inflicting stab wounds and severe beatings on the priests before fleeing the scene. The motive remains unclear, though such attacks in the region have often been linked to criminal activities including robbery, kidnapping, or broader banditry plaguing parts of central Nigeria.
In a strong response to the incident, the Abuja Grand Commandery of the Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International issued a statement vehemently condemning the attack. The organization described it as a heinous and barbaric act against innocent members of the clergy, signaling a disturbing escalation in insecurity around the FCT and neighboring states.
The statement, jointly signed by the Grand President, Brigadier General Francis Ulonna Njoku, and the Grand Secretary, Colonel Etta Peters, expressed outrage over the violence. It read in part: “We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the heinous, barbaric, and reprehensible attack on Catholic priests at the Parish House of St. Rita Catholic Church, Unity Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State.”
The Knights emphasized that this was not an isolated event but part of a troubling pattern of assaults on religious leaders and places of worship in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas. They characterized the attack as a direct assault on innocent clergy, a grave affront to the sanctity of human life, religious institutions, and the moral fabric of society.
The order called on security agencies to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure they face swift justice. They further urged federal, state, and local governments to intensify security measures around religious institutions, communities, and vulnerable areas to prevent future occurrences.
In a show of solidarity, the Knights extended heartfelt support to the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, the affected clergy, and the faithful of St. Rita Catholic Church. They also offered prayers for the speedy and full recovery of the injured priests—Fr. Baye and Fr. Pever—as well as for lasting peace and security in the community.
The attack on St. Rita Catholic Church comes amid a broader wave of insecurity challenges in Nasarawa State and other parts of north-central Nigeria. Mararaba, located in Karu Local Government Area, is a bustling suburb close to Abuja and has experienced sporadic incidents of crime, including armed robberies and kidnappings. The proximity to the nation's capital has amplified concerns, as residents and commuters frequently travel between the FCT and Nasarawa for work, business, and daily activities.
Religious leaders and institutions have increasingly become targets in various parts of the country, with previous incidents involving abductions, killings, and attacks on churches and mosques. This latest assault on Catholic priests has reignited calls for more proactive measures from security forces, including enhanced patrols, intelligence gathering, and community policing initiatives.
The Catholic Diocese of Lafia, under which St. Rita Parish falls, has yet to release an official statement, but sources within the diocese indicate deep concern and ongoing support for the affected priests. Parishioners and members of the wider Catholic community in the area have expressed shock and sadness over the event, with many gathering in prayer vigils for the victims' recovery.
As investigations begin, authorities face mounting pressure to address the root causes of such brazen attacks. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats posed by criminal elements operating in the region, despite efforts by security agencies to curb banditry and related crimes.
The Knights of St. John International, a Catholic lay organization dedicated to charitable works and defense of the faith, has vowed to continue advocating for the protection of religious freedom and the safety of clergy across Nigeria. Their condemnation reflects a broader sentiment among faith-based groups calling for decisive action to restore peace and security.
While the injured priests continue their recovery, the community of Unity Estate and Mararaba remains on edge, hopeful that swift justice will be served and that measures will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future. This attack not only highlights the personal risks faced by those in religious service but also underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to tackle insecurity in Nigeria's north-central zone.
