Fresh concerns over rising insecurity around the Federal Capital Territory have emerged following an attack on two Catholic priests by suspected bandits in Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
The attack occurred around 2:30 a.m. when armed assailants invaded the parish house of St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Unity Estate, assaulting the priests. The Parish Priest reportedly escaped unhurt.
The victims were identified as Rev. Fr. Comas Baye, a resident priest who is also battling a partial stroke, and Rev. Fr. Chris Pever, a visiting priest and former assistant priest of the parish. Both were rushed to Nativity Catholic Hospital, Jikwoyi, Abuja for treatment.
Fr. Pever sustained serious injuries, including a fracture to his left arm, and underwent surgery, while both priests were later confirmed to be in stable condition.
Reacting to the incident, the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) condemned the attack, describing it as a disturbing sign of worsening insecurity around Abuja and neighbouring states, and called on security agencies to swiftly arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.
