Gunmen have abducted a pastor, Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, along with two members of his congregation in Benue State.
Rev. Gbinde, the Resident Pastor of NKST Andyar in Saghev, was kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
The abduction was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST), the Universal Reformed Christian Church.
The statement, signed by the church’s General Secretary, Rev. Dr. T. A. Targba, said the victims were abducted from the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State.
Describing the incident as tragic, the church appealed to its clergy, members, congregations and the general public to pray for the safe and unconditional release of Rev. Dr. Gbinde and the two church members.
The church also expressed sympathy to the affected families and the Andyar congregation, praying that God would grant them strength, comfort and hope during the ordeal.
NKST called on security agencies, as well as the Benue State and Federal Governments, to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and ensure those responsible for the abduction are arrested and prosecuted.
It further urged both levels of government to adopt more proactive and sustained measures to combat kidnapping and other security challenges, stressing the need to prevent such crimes rather than merely responding after they occur.
Reaffirming its faith, the church said it remains steadfast in prayer, trusting God for the safe return of Rev. Dr. Gbinde, his companions and all others currently being held captive.
