Pastor, two members kidnapped at gunpoint, Benue church cries out

Gunmen have abducted a pastor, Rev. Samuel Gbinde, and two members of his congregation from his residence in Benue State.

The incident was disclosed 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 abducted 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 read.

The church called on its clergy, members, congregations and friends to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the abducted persons.

The statement also said, “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.

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“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 also appealed to security agencies and the Benue State and Federal Governments to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators 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 said.

It urged both governments to adopt more proactive and sustained measures to tackle kidnapping and other security challenges.

“Furthermore, the Church urges both the Benue State and Federal Governments to adopt more proactive and sustained measures in addressing kidnapping and other forms of insecurity. It is imperative to take the fight to the perpetrators rather than merely responding after these heinous crimes have been committed,” the statement read.

The church expressed confidence that the victims would return safely and prayed for peace and security across the country.

The Benue State Police Command has yet to issue a statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report. Efforts are ongoing to obtain the command’s reaction.