The leadership of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church has confirmed the abduction of one of its clerics, Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, alongside two members of his congregation by suspected gunmen in Benue State.
The church disclosed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when the attackers stormed the pastor’s residence located within the NKST Church premises in Andyar, Ishan Classis, Benue State.
The development was announced in an official statement released on Tuesday by the Executive Committee of the church.
According to the statement, the victims were taken away from the church residence during the attack.
“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,” the statement read.
The church appealed to all its ministers, members, congregations and supporters across the country to unite in prayers for the immediate and safe release of the victims without harm.
It also prayed for strength and comfort for the affected families, the Andyar congregation and the wider NKST community as they await positive news.
“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.”
Beyond prayers, the church urged security agencies, as well as the Benue State Government and the Federal Government, to urgently intensify efforts aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending those responsible for the crime.
It stressed that the perpetrators should be brought to justice without delay to discourage similar attacks in the future.
“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,” it said.
The church further expressed concern over the growing insecurity across parts of the country and urged both levels of government to adopt proactive strategies capable of preventing kidnappings and related criminal activities before they occur.
According to the statement, tackling insecurity requires sustained and offensive measures rather than reacting only after innocent citizens have been attacked.
“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,” the statement read.
The church reaffirmed its faith that the victims would regain their freedom safely while praying for lasting peace, security and stability throughout Nigeria.
As of the time this report was filed, the Benue State Police Command had not released an official statement regarding the abduction. Efforts were still ongoing to obtain the command’s response.
