Gunmen Abduct Benue Cleric, Two Followers

A preacher named Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, along with two others from his church, were taken by armed individuals from his home in Benue State.

The event was revealed in a statement released on Tuesday by the Executive Committee of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u Sha Tar Church.

As per the church's statement, the victims were taken during the early morning hours of Tuesday from the pastor's home located at NKST Church in Andyar, within the Ishan Classis region of Benue State.

With deep sorrow, but firm belief in the authority of the Supreme Lord, we regretfully report the kidnapping of our pastor, Reverend Doctor Samuel Gbinde, together with two churchgoers, during the early morning hours of today, 30 June 2026.

"They were taken from the pastor's house at NKST Church, Andyar, within the Ishan Classis of Benue State," the statement said.

The congregation urged its priests, followers, communities, and supporters to pray for the secure and complete return of those who were taken.

The declaration further stated, "The leadership of the NKST urges all priests, followers, assemblies, and associates of the church to come together through sincere prayers during this challenging period for the secure and complete return of Reverend Doctor Gbinde and the two church individuals."

We further ask that God provides power, solace, and optimism to their loved ones, the community in Andyar, and the whole NKST group.

The church further urged law enforcement authorities and both the Benue State and federal governments to step up actions aimed at rescuing those affected and holding the offenders accountable.

"We also urge the appropriate security organizations, along with the authorities of Benue State and the Federal Government of Nigeria, to take prompt and firm action to safely recover the kidnapped individuals and make sure that those involved in this crime are caught and held accountable," it stated.

It called upon both governments to implement more active and ongoing actions to address abductions and various security issues.

"Additionally, the Church calls upon both the Benue State Government and the Federal Authorities to implement more active and continuous actions in tackling abduction and other security threats. It is crucial to confront the offenders directly instead of just reacting following these terrible offenses," the declaration stated.

The congregation showed faith that the affected individuals would come back home securely and asked for tranquility and safety throughout the nation.

The Benue State Police Command has not released any official comment regarding the event at the moment this report was submitted. Continuous attempts are being made to secure the command's response.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).