Bandits storm parish home, assault two Catholic clergymen in Nasarawa state
Bandits have attacked two Catholic clergymen on the parish home of St. Rita Catholic Church in Unity Property, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, elevating contemporary issues over insecurity across the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The assault occurred round 2:30 am when armed assailants invaded the parish residence, stabbed the clergymen and left them in swimming pools of blood, whereas the parish priest narrowly escaped unharmed.
The victims have been recognized as Rev Fr Comas Baye, the priest-in-residence, and Rev Fr Chris Pever, a visiting priest and former assistant priest of the parish.
Baye, who’s a cadet of the Knights of St. John Worldwide, was mentioned to be battling a partial stroke following the assault.
Each clergymen have been rushed to Nativity Catholic Hospital in Jikwoyi, Abuja, the place they acquired emergency medical care.
Pever sustained extreme accidents, together with a fracture to his left arm, and efficiently underwent a surgical implant process.
As of the time of reporting, each clergymen have been mentioned to be in secure situation and responding to remedy.
Reacting to the incident, the Abuja Grand Commandery of the Knights of St. John Worldwide condemned the assault, describing it as a vicious assault on harmless clergy.
In a press release signed by Francis Ulonna Njoku, grand president, and Etta Peters, grand secretary, the order mentioned the incident mirrored the worsening insecurity round Abuja and neighbouring states.
“We condemn, within the strongest attainable phrases, the heinous, barbaric, and reprehensible assault on Catholic clergymen on the parish home of St. Rita Catholic Church, Unity Property, Mararaba, Nasarawa State,” the assertion mentioned.
The knights warned that the assault was a part of a disturbing sample of violence in opposition to locations of worship and ministers of religion throughout the FCT and adjoining states.
“This vicious assault just isn’t solely a direct assault on harmless clergy but additionally a grave affront to the sanctity of human life, spiritual establishments, and the ethical material of our society,” the assertion mentioned.
The group known as on related safety companies to urgently examine the incident and make sure the perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted.
“We subsequently name on the related safety companies to urgently and completely examine this incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and be certain that they’re dropped at justice directly,” it added.
The order additionally urged governments in any respect ranges to strengthen safety round spiritual establishments and communities.
The Abuja Grand Commandery expressed solidarity with the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, the clergy and the devoted of St. Rita Catholic Church, whereas providing prayers for therapeutic and lasting peace.