Gunmen have kidnapped a pastor, Rev. Samuel Gbinde, and two members of his church from his home in Benue State.
The incident was announced on Tuesday in a statement by the Executive Committee of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church.
The church said the three 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 read.
The church urged its clergy, members, congregations and friends to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the 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.
“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 step up efforts to rescue the victims and bring those behind the attack 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 also asked both governments to take stronger and lasting steps against kidnapping and other security threats.
“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 said it remained hopeful the victims would return safely and prayed for peace and security across the country.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not issued a statement on the incident. Efforts were still ongoing to get the command’s reaction.
