Suspected gunmen have kidnapped a pastor and two members of his congregation from a church residence in Benue State.
The victims, identified as Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde and two worshippers, were reportedly abducted in the early hours of Tuesday from the pastor’s residence at the NKST Church in Andyar, Ishan Classis.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Executive Committee of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church.
According to the church, “It is with a heavy heart, yet with unwavering confidence in the sovereignty of Almighty God, that we announce the unfortunate abduction of our cleric, Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, along with two members of his congregation, in the early hours of today, 30 June 2026.”
The church appealed to its clergy, members and supporters to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the abducted victims.
“The leadership of the NKST calls upon all clergy, members, congregations and friends of the Church to unite in earnest prayer during this difficult time for the safe and unconditional release of Rev. Dr. Gbinde and the two church members,” the statement read.
It also prayed for strength and comfort for the victims’ families, the Andyar congregation and the wider NKST community.
The church further urged security agencies, as well as the Benue State and Federal Governments, to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and ensure those behind the abduction are brought to justice.
“We further call on the relevant security agencies, as well as the Governments of Benue State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to act swiftly and decisively to secure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and ensure that those responsible for this criminal act are apprehended and brought to justice,” it stated.
The church also called on both levels of government to adopt more proactive measures in addressing kidnapping and other security threats.
According to the statement, “It is imperative to take the fight to the perpetrators rather than merely responding after these heinous crimes have been committed.”
Expressing confidence in the victims’ safe return, the church prayed for lasting peace and improved security across the country.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while efforts to obtain the command’s reaction were ongoing.
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