Pastor, 2 Church Members Abducted In Benue

Gunmen have kidnapped a pastor of Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church, Rev. Samuel Gbinde, as no group has claimed responsibility.

Confirming the incident, NKST general secretary, Rev. Dr. T. A. Targba, in a statement, explained that the victims were taken away on Tuesday when the gunmen stormed the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State.

The statement called on clergy, members, congregations, and friends of the Church to unite in prayer during this difficult time for the safe and unconditional release of Gbinde and the two church members.

Targba, however, called on the security agencies, Benue and federal governments to act swiftly and decisively to secure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and ensure that those responsible for the criminal act were apprehended and brought to justice.

Part of the statement reads, “Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

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. We also pray that God will grant strength, comfort, and hope to their families, the congregation at Andyar, and the entire NKST family.”

The statement added, “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.”

Meanwhile, Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Udet, did not respond or return calls put through her phone over the incident at the time of filing this report.