Pastor, two members kidnapped at gunpoint, Benue church cries out

A pastor and two members of his congregation have been abducted at gunpoint from the residence of Rev. Samuel Gbinde in Benue State, Nigeria. The incident was announced by the Executive Committee of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church in a statement released on Tuesday.

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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.

The victims were taken in the early hours of Tuesday from the pastor's residence at the NKST Church in Andyar, Ishan Classis. The church leadership expressed deep sorrow but maintained faith in God's sovereignty while announcing the unfortunate abduction.

The NKST Church has issued a call to its clergy, members, congregations, and friends worldwide to unite in earnest prayer for the safe and unconditional release of Rev. Dr. Gbinde and the two church members. The statement also conveyed prayers for strength, comfort, and hope to the families of the abducted individuals, the local congregation, and the entire NKST family.

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We also pray that God will grant strength, comfort and hope to their families, the congregation at Andyar and the entire NKST family.

Furthermore, the church appealed to both the Benue State and Federal Governments, along with relevant security agencies, to act swiftly and decisively. They urged for the secure rescue of the abducted persons and the apprehension of those responsible for this criminal act. The church also implored the governments to adopt more proactive and sustained measures to address kidnapping and other security challenges, emphasizing the need to confront perpetrators directly rather than merely reacting to incidents.

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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.

Despite the distressing event, the church expressed confidence in the safe return of the victims and prayed for peace and security across Nigeria. As of the time of reporting, the Benue State Police Command had not yet issued a statement, and efforts were underway to obtain their reaction.

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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.