Gunmen kidnap Benue pastor, church members

A pastor and two members of his congregation have been abducted from the Universal Reform Christian Church (URCC) in Benue State, Nigeria, heightening concerns over the region's escalating insecurity. The victims were taken from the pastor's residence at the NKST Church in Andyar, Ishan Classis, on Tuesday.

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The victims were abducted from the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State.

Samuel Gbinde, the pastor of the URCC, also known as Nongu u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST), was kidnapped along with two congregants. Titus Targba, the General Secretary of URCC, confirmed the incident and urged prayers for the safe and unconditional release of those abducted.

Targba appealed to security agencies and both the Benue State and federal governments to act quickly to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. He stressed the need for authorities to adopt more proactive strategies against kidnapping and violent crimes, emphasizing that action should be taken before such heinous acts occur.

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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.

This latest abduction follows closely on the heels of other security incidents in Benue State, including the killing of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) chairman and his associate on June 26. Despite ongoing security operations, kidnappings and violent attacks continue to plague communities across the state. The Benue State Police Command had not responded to inquiries regarding the incident at the time of reporting.

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It is imperative to take the fight to the perpetrators rather than merely responding after these heinous crimes have been committed.