Church in Benue pleas for help after armed men abduct pastor and two congregants

In a brazen act, gunmen have taken Rev. Samuel Gbinde, a pastor, and two members of his congregation hostage from his residence in Benue State, a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community.

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The Executive Committee of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church issued a statement on Tuesday, disclosing the details of the abduction, which occurred in the early hours of the same day at the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State.

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The church's statement, released with a heavy heart, announced the abduction of Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde and two members of his congregation, conveying a sense of hope and faith in the face of adversity, as they expressed unwavering confidence in the sovereignty of Almighty God.

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The victims were abducted from the pastor’s residence, a fact confirmed by the church, which has called upon its clergy, members, congregations, and friends to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the abducted persons, Rev. Dr. Gbinde and the two church members.

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The NKST leadership has urged all clergy, members, congregations, and friends of the Church to unite in earnest prayer during this difficult time, seeking the safe and unconditional release of the abducted individuals and praying for strength, comfort, and hope for their families.

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The church has also made a passionate appeal to security agencies and the Benue State and Federal Governments to intensify their efforts to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice, calling for swift and decisive action to secure the safe rescue of the abducted persons.

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The statement further emphasized the need for the Governments of Benue State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria to adopt more proactive and sustained measures to tackle kidnapping and other security challenges, taking the fight to the perpetrators rather than merely responding after these heinous crimes have been committed.

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The church remains hopeful that the victims will return safely and has prayed for peace and security across the country, as the community comes together to support the families of the abducted individuals.

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As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command has yet to issue a statement on the incident, with efforts ongoing to obtain the command’s reaction to the abduction of Rev. Samuel Gbinde and the two members of his congregation.