Gunmen Abduct Benue Pastor, Two Worshippers from Church Residence

Suspected gunmen have kidnapped a cleric and two members of his congregation after invading a church residence in Benue State, prompting the leadership of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church to appeal for urgent government intervention and prayers for their safe return.

The victims include Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde and two worshippers who were reportedly taken away in the early hours of Tuesday from the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State.

The abduction was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Executive Committee of the NKST Church.

The statement read, “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.”

Expressing deep concern over the incident, the church called on its members, clergy, friends and congregations to unite in prayer for the unconditional release of the three abducted persons.

According to the church, “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 further appealed to security agencies and both the Benue State and Federal Governments to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing the victims and ensuring those responsible for the attack are arrested and prosecuted.

It said, “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.”

Beyond the immediate rescue efforts, the church urged authorities to adopt stronger and more proactive measures to combat kidnapping and other forms of violent crime across the country.

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.”

Despite the traumatic incident, the church expressed faith that the abducted pastor and his congregation members would return safely and also prayed for lasting peace and improved security in Benue State and across Nigeria.

As of the time this report was filed, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the abduction. Efforts to obtain the reaction of the command were still ongoing.