Gunmen abduct cleric, two worshippers in Benue

Unidentified gunmen have kidnapped the senior pastor of the Universal Reformed Christian Church, popularly known as NKST, Rev Dr Samuel Gbinde, in the Andyar community in the Guma Local Government Area, of Benue State.

The gunmen reportedly stormed the pastor’s residence and whisked him and  two members of his congregation away to an unknown destination.

The General Secretary of NKST, T. A. Targba, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, said the attack was unfortunate, calling on 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, 30 June 2026,” the statement partly read.

The church appealed to all its clergy, congregations, departments, institutions, members and friends to unite in fervent prayers for the safe and unconditional release of the abducted cleric and the two church members.

At the time of filing this report, efforts to get the reaction of the State Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful.