Armed assailants stormed the parish residence of St. Rita Catholic Church in Unity Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of the morning, stabbing two Catholic priests and renewing fears about the growing reach of violent crime around the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The attack, which occurred at about 2:30 am, left the priests seriously injured and sent shock waves through the Catholic community in Nasarawa and Abuja. According to reports from church officials, the assailants forced their way into the parish house, attacked the occupants, and fled, leaving the victims bleeding on the floor. The parish priest was said to have narrowly escaped without injury.

Who was attacked and their condition

The injured clerics were identified as Rev Fr Comas Baye, the priest in residence, and Rev Fr Chris Pever, a visiting priest and former assistant priest of St. Rita Catholic Church. Baye is a cadet of the Knights of St. John International.

Following the attack, both men were rushed to Nativity Catholic Hospital in Jikwoyi, Abuja, where they received emergency treatment. Church sources said Baye suffered serious complications and has been battling a partial stroke since the incident. Pever, meanwhile, sustained multiple injuries, including a fracture to his left arm.

Medical officials familiar with the case said Pever underwent a surgical implant procedure to stabilize the fracture. As of the time of reporting, both priests were described as being in stable condition and responding to treatment, although doctors indicated that their recovery would require close monitoring.

Condemnation from Knights of St. John International

The Abuja Grand Commandery of the Knights of St. John International strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a brutal assault on innocent clergy and a troubling sign of deteriorating security around Abuja and its neighboring states.

In a statement jointly signed by Francis Ulonna Njoku, the grand president, and Etta Peters, the grand secretary, the order said the incident underscored the persistent threat facing religious institutions in the region.

“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 statement said.

The group warned that the assault was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of violence targeting places of worship and religious leaders across 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 added.

Calls for swift investigation and tighter security

The Knights of St. John International urged security agencies to act swiftly, calling for a thorough investigation and the arrest of those responsible. According to the group, failure to bring the perpetrators to justice could embolden further attacks on religious communities.

“We therefore call on the relevant security agencies to urgently and thoroughly investigate this incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that they are brought to justice without delay,” the statement said.

The order also appealed to governments at all levels to strengthen security around churches, mosques, and other places of worship, particularly in communities located close to Abuja where residential estates often lack adequate security infrastructure.

Growing insecurity around Abuja and border communities

Mararaba, located on the outskirts of Abuja, has in recent years experienced rapid population growth as workers seek more affordable housing outside the capital. However, security analysts note that this expansion has not always been matched by adequate policing, making some neighborhoods vulnerable to criminal gangs and armed groups.

According to reports by Punch and other local media, Nasarawa communities bordering the FCT have increasingly recorded cases of armed robbery, kidnapping, and violent attacks, often carried out in the early hours of the morning. Religious institutions, which are typically less fortified than commercial premises, have become soft targets.

A security analyst based in Abuja, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attack on the St. Rita parish house reflects a wider challenge. He explained that criminals are exploiting gaps between federal and state security coordination, especially in border areas where jurisdiction can be unclear.

“These attackers understand the terrain very well,” the analyst said. “They operate in communities where response time is slow and escape routes into neighboring areas are easy. That is why we are seeing repeated incidents around the FCT fringes.”

Why the attack matters now

The assault comes at a time when religious leaders across Nigeria have repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of clergy and worshippers. In the past decade, several priests have been kidnapped or killed, particularly in the North Central and North West regions.

Church officials say attacks on priests carry broader implications beyond the immediate harm to victims. They argue that such incidents create fear within communities, disrupt social services often provided by churches, and undermine trust in the ability of the state to protect citizens.

A senior Catholic official familiar with the situation in Nasarawa said the latest incident would likely prompt churches to review their security arrangements. However, he noted that many parishes lack the resources to employ guards or install surveillance systems without external support.

Solidarity and prayers from the Catholic community

The Abuja Grand Commandery of the Knights of St. John International expressed solidarity with the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, the clergy, and members of St. Rita Catholic Church.

The group said it was offering prayers for the healing of the injured priests and for peace in the affected community.

Parishioners who spoke after morning Mass described the mood as somber but resolute. Many said the attack would not deter them from practicing their faith, although they acknowledged growing anxiety about safety.

“We are shocked, but we will continue to pray and hope that those responsible are caught,” a parish member said. “We also expect the authorities to do more. This could happen to anyone.”

What to watch next

Security agencies have not yet issued a detailed public statement on the incident, but residents say patrols have increased in parts of Mararaba since the attack. Observers will be watching to see whether arrests are made and whether authorities announce concrete measures to secure religious institutions in vulnerable areas.

Analysts also say the incident could renew pressure on federal and state governments to improve intelligence sharing and deploy more security personnel to communities bordering Abuja. Without such steps, they warn, similar attacks may continue.

For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured priests and the search for those responsible. Church leaders and residents alike say justice in this case would send an important signal that violence against religious figures will not be tolerated.