Gunmen abducted a pastor and two members of his congregation from his residence in Benue State in the early hours of Tuesday, prompting an urgent appeal from the church for prayer and government intervention.
The Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church confirmed the abduction of Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde and two congregants in a statement issued Tuesday by its Executive Committee. The victims were taken 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,” the statement read, adding that the abduction took place at the pastor’s residence.
The church leadership called on clergy, members, congregations and friends across the NKST community to unite in prayer for the safe and unconditional release of the three 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 said, extending that appeal to include prayers for strength and comfort for the families involved and for the congregation at Andyar more broadly.
Beyond prayer, the church issued a direct appeal to security agencies and both the Benue State and Federal Governments, urging swift, decisive action to rescue the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable. “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,” the statement said.
The church went further than calling for a response to this single incident, pressing both levels of government to adopt a more proactive posture toward kidnapping and insecurity generally rather than reacting only after crimes occur. “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 said.
Despite the circumstances, the church expressed confidence that the victims would return safely and offered prayers for broader peace and security across Nigeria.
As of the time of filing, the Benue State Police Command had not issued a statement on the incident. Efforts to obtain the command’s reaction are ongoing.
