Gunmen abduct cleric, two worshippers in Benue
Senior Pastor Kidnapped in Benue State
Unidentified gunmen have kidnapped Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, the senior pastor of the Universal Reformed Christian Church, commonly known as NKST, in the Andyar community of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State.
Reports indicate that the assailants stormed the pastor’s residence, abducting him along with two members of his congregation. The exact location to which they were taken remains undisclosed.
T.A. Targba, General Secretary of NKST, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Wednesday. He described the attack as unfortunate and urged both Christians and the public to pray for the safe return of the victims.
“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, June 30, 2026,” the statement reads in part.
The church has called on its clergy, congregations, and members to unite in prayer for the safe and unconditional release of the abducted individuals.
As of this report, attempts to reach the State Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, for comment were unsuccessful.