The Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church has raised alarm over the abduction of one of its clerics, Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, and two members of his congregation by suspected gunmen in Benue State.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday from the pastor’s residence located within the NKST Church premises in Andyar, Ishan Classis, Benue State.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued by the Executive Committee of the NKST Church on Tuesday, which described the development as deeply distressing but urged members to remain steadfast in faith.
“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 church said.
“They were abducted from the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State.”
The church leadership called on its clergy, members and supporters worldwide to pray for the safe return of the abducted victims, expressing hope that they would regain their freedom unharmed.
“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 added.
“We also pray that God will grant strength, comfort and hope to their families, the congregation at Andyar and the entire NKST family.”
Beyond prayers, the church appealed to security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure that those behind the attack are arrested and prosecuted.
“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 church stated.
It also urged both the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to adopt more proactive security measures to stem the rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes.
“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 said.
The abduction comes amid renewed concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Benue State, where communities have continued to grapple with attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes.
Religious leaders and faith-based organisations have increasingly become targets of criminal groups operating across parts of the North-Central region, prompting repeated calls for stronger security responses and improved intelligence gathering.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
Efforts to obtain a response from the command were ongoing, while the whereabouts of the abducted cleric and the two church members remained unknown.
The latest incident is expected to heighten concerns among residents and religious communities in Benue, as stakeholders continue to demand stronger action against kidnapping and organised criminal activities in the state.
