Gunmen have abducted a pastor, Rev. Samuel Gbinde, alongside two members of his congregation in Benue State.
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, the victims were taken in the early hours of Tuesday from the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State.
“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.
“They were abducted from the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State,” the statement said.
The church called on its members, clergy and friends to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the abducted persons.
“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.”
It also prayed for strength and comfort for the victims’ families and the wider church community.
“We also pray that God will grant strength, comfort and hope to their families, the congregation at Andyar and the entire NKST family.”
The church further urged security agencies and both the Benue State and Federal Governments to act swiftly to secure the release of the victims and ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.
“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 said.
It added that authorities must take more proactive steps to address kidnapping and other security threats in the state and across the country.
The Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official response as of the time of filing this report.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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