Gunmen have abducted a cleric, Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, along with two members of his congregation from his residence in Benue State, sparking fresh concerns over the persistent insecurity affecting communities in the 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, popularly known as the NKST Church.
According to the church, the victims were kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday at the pastor’s residence located within the NKST Church premises in Andyar, Ishan Classis, Benue State.
The church described the incident as painful and unfortunate but urged members not to lose faith, expressing confidence that God would intervene in the situation.
“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.
While the identities of the two church members were not immediately disclosed, the church confirmed that all three victims were taken from the pastor’s residence during the attack.
The circumstances surrounding the abduction were not fully detailed, and it was not immediately clear whether the kidnappers had established contact with the victims’ families or church authorities.
The NKST Executive Committee called on members of the church, Christians and the general public to remain calm while praying fervently for the safe release of the abducted pastor and the two congregants.
The church expressed faith that the victims would return safely, urging worshippers not to be overwhelmed by fear despite the troubling development.
Church leaders also appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
The abduction has once again drawn attention to the worsening security challenges confronting Benue State, where communities have continued to grapple with incidents of kidnapping, armed attacks and violent crimes.
Residents in several parts of the state have repeatedly raised concerns over increasing insecurity, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen measures aimed at protecting lives and property.
Religious leaders have not been spared by criminal groups in recent years, with several clerics across different parts of Nigeria becoming targets of kidnappers seeking ransom payments.
These incidents have heightened fears among religious communities and prompted renewed calls for improved security around churches, schools and other public institutions.
Security experts have consistently argued that stronger intelligence gathering, improved surveillance and closer collaboration between local communities and security agencies are essential to addressing the growing menace of kidnapping.
Community leaders have also urged governments at all levels to provide adequate logistical support to security personnel operating in vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, members of the NKST Church have continued to offer prayers for the release of Rev. Gbinde and the two abducted congregants, expressing hope that they will regain their freedom unharmed.
The church reaffirmed its trust in God during the difficult period while encouraging members to remain united and steadfast in faith.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from security authorities regarding the incident, and no group had claimed responsibility for the abduction.
The latest attack adds to the growing list of kidnapping incidents recorded in parts of Benue State and underscores the urgent need for sustained security interventions to curb violent crimes and restore confidence among residents.
