ISHAN, Benue State — The Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u Sha Tar (NKST) has confirmed the abduction of one of its clerics, Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, along with two members of his congregation, from the pastor's residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State.
The church disclosed the incident in a statement dated June 30, 2026, and signed by its General Secretary, Rev. Dr. T. A. Targba.
According to the statement, the victims were abducted in the early hours of Tuesday, June 30, from the church residence in Andyar.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, the church said it remained steadfast in faith despite the painful development and called on members, congregations, and Christians worldwide to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the abducted cleric and the two church members.
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 statement read.
The church appealed to the Benue State Government, the Federal Government, and relevant security agencies to act swiftly to secure the safe rescue of the abducted victims and ensure that those responsible for the crime are identified, arrested, and brought to justice.
Beyond the immediate rescue effort, the NKST leadership urged both the state and federal governments to adopt more proactive and sustained measures to tackle kidnapping and the growing insecurity affecting communities.
The church stressed that security efforts should focus on preventing attacks rather than responding only after crimes have been committed.
"As the people of God, we remain steadfast in faith, trusting in His unfailing protection and praying for the safe return of our brother, his companions, and all those held captive," the statement added.
The abduction is the latest in a series of kidnapping incidents reported in parts of Benue State, where communities have continued to express concern over the rising wave of insecurity affecting residents, religious leaders, and travellers.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not issued an official statement on the incident or announced any arrests in connection with the abduction.
Prime Brief Media will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.
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