Unknown gunmen have abducted a senior cleric of the NKST Church, Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, alongside two members of his congregation in Benue State.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday after armed assailants invaded the pastor’s residence located within the NKST Church premises in Andyar, Ishan Classis area of the state.
Reacting to the incident, the leadership of the NKST described the abduction as disturbing and appealed to Christians and other well-meaning Nigerians to pray for the victims’ safe and unconditional release.
In a statement dated June 30, 2026, signed by the church’s General Secretary, Rev. Dr. T. A. Targba, the church confirmed that the pastor and the two worshippers were taken away by the attackers from the church premises.
The church expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and members of the Andyar congregation, praying for divine strength and comfort for those affected by the incident.
It also called on security agencies, the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to intensify efforts towards rescuing the abducted victims and ensuring that those responsible for the crime are apprehended and brought to justice.
According to the church, authorities should embrace proactive and sustainable measures to tackle kidnapping and other security threats, stressing that preventing such crimes is more effective than responding after they occur.
Reaffirming its faith, the denomination said it remained hopeful that Rev. Dr. Gbinde, the two church members and other persons currently in captivity would regain their freedom safely.
The church also offered prayers for God’s protection over its members and for lasting peace and improved security across the country.