Church seeks prayers as gunmen kidnap pastor, two members

Dr. Samuel Gbinde

Suspected gunmen have abducted a cleric of the NKST Church, Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, alongside two members of his congregation during an attack on the church premises in Benue State.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday after the assailants stormed the pastor's residence located within the NKST Church premises at Andyar in the Ishan Classis area of the state.

Confirming the incident in a statement dated June 30, the General Secretary of the church, Rev. Dr. T. A. Targba, described the abduction as disturbing and appealed to Christians and members of the public to pray for the victims' safe and unconditional release.

According to the church, the gunmen whisked away the pastor and the two worshippers from the church premises before escaping to an unknown destination.

The denomination expressed sympathy with the families of the abducted victims and members of the Andyar congregation, praying for strength and comfort as they await their return.

It also called on security agencies, as well as the Benue State and Federal Governments, to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and ensure that those behind the abduction are tracked down and brought to justice.

The church further urged authorities to adopt proactive and sustainable measures to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes, stressing the need to prevent such incidents rather than merely responding after they occur.

Expressing confidence in the victims' safe return, the church said it remained steadfast in prayer for Rev. Gbinde, the two church members and others currently being held by kidnappers.

It also prayed for divine protection over the church and for lasting peace and improved security across the country.