Gunmen Abduct Benue Pastor, Two Church Members From Residence, NKST Demands Swift Rescue

Gunmen have kidnapped a church pastor and two members of his congregation after attacking his residence in Benue State, prompting fresh concerns over the growing wave of abductions across the state.

The victims were identified as Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde and two members of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church. According to church authorities, they were abducted in the early hours of Tuesday from the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State.

The abduction was confirmed in a statement issued by the Executive Committee of the NKST Church, which described the incident as deeply distressing while expressing confidence that the victims would return safely.

“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,” the church said.

The church appealed to its clergy, members and supporters to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the abducted pastor and the two church members. It also urged members to stand with the affected families during the difficult period.

Beyond prayers, the NKST leadership called on security agencies, the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and ensure those responsible for the attack are arrested and prosecuted.

The church further urged both levels of government to adopt stronger and more proactive measures to address kidnapping and other security threats, arguing that authorities must prevent attacks rather than responding only after crimes have been committed.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident. Efforts to obtain the command’s reaction were still ongoing.

The latest abduction adds to growing security concerns in Benue State, where residents have continued to call for stronger action against kidnapping and other violent crimes affecting communities across the region.