By Odeh Favour Adiya
Fear has gripped the Christian community in Benue State following the abduction of Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde and two members of his congregation by suspected gunmen.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after armed assailants stormed the pastor’s residence at the NKST Church in Andyar, Ishan Classis, Benue State.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued by the Executive Committee of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church, which described the abduction as deeply distressing while expressing faith in the victims’ safe return.
“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,” the church said.
According to the statement, the three victims were taken from the pastor’s residence during the attack.
The church called on its clergy, members, congregations and supporters to unite in prayer for the safe and unconditional release of the abducted pastor and the two church members. It also offered prayers for the families of the victims and the Andyar congregation, urging them to remain hopeful during the ordeal.
Expressing concern over the persistent insecurity in the state, the church appealed to security agencies and both the Benue State and Federal Governments to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and bring those responsible for the crime to justice.
The church further urged the authorities to adopt more proactive strategies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes, stressing the need to prevent attacks rather than responding after they occur.
Despite the incident, the denomination expressed optimism that the abducted cleric and his companions would regain their freedom, while continuing to pray for lasting peace and improved security across the country.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the abduction.
