Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A senior clergyman and two members of his congregation have been abducted by armed gunmen in Benue State, deepening concerns over the persistent wave of kidnappings affecting communities across the region. The victims, identified as Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, a Resident Pastor of the NKST Church, Andyar, and two worshippers, were seized from the pastor's residence at the church premises in the Ishan Classis area of the state in the early hours of Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Confirming the incident in a statement dated June 30, 2026, the General Secretary of the NKST Church, Rev. Dr. T. A. Targba, described the abduction as unfortunate and called on all clergy, members, congregations, and the general public to join in fervent prayers for the safe and unconditional release of the victims. The church also extended its sympathy to the affected families and members of the Andyar congregation, praying that God would grant them strength, comfort, and hope during this difficult period.
Reacting to the incident, the leadership of the NKST described the abduction as a painful development. “This is a distressing moment for the church community. We remain hopeful and prayerful that those taken captive will regain their freedom unharmed,” a church official said, according to Afripost Newspaper. The church has reaffirmed its faith despite the incident, expressing confidence that Rev. Dr. Gbinde and the two church members would eventually return safely.
The NKST leadership urged relevant security agencies, as well as the Benue State and Federal Governments, to act swiftly to secure the victims' rescue and ensure that those behind the abduction are apprehended and brought to justice. The church further called on both levels of government to adopt more proactive and sustained measures to tackle kidnapping and other forms of insecurity, stressing the need to prevent such crimes rather than merely responding after they occur.
“The safety of citizens must remain a top priority. Every available resource should be deployed to secure the release of those abducted and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement noted. The denomination stressed that authorities should focus more on preventive security strategies rather than relying solely on responses after incidents have occurred, arguing that a proactive approach would significantly reduce the growing threat posed by kidnappers and other criminal elements.
As of the time of this report, no official statement had been issued by the Benue State Police Command regarding the abduction, and the whereabouts of the victims remain unknown. The church has concluded its statement by offering prayers for peace, security, and stability across Nigeria, while calling on citizens to remain vigilant and support efforts aimed at tackling insecurity nationwide.
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