Gunmen have abducted a pastor of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church, Rev. Samuel Gbinde, along with two members of his congregation in Benue State.

The church disclosed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Executive Committee, saying the victims were kidnapped in the early hours of the day from the pastor’s residence at the NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis.

According to the church, the three were taken by the attackers during the incident, prompting an appeal for prayers and support for their safe return.

The church called on its clergy, members and the wider Christian community to pray for the unconditional release of the victims and for strength for their families and the congregation.

It also appealed to security agencies, as well as the Benue State and Federal Governments, to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted persons and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

The church further urged the authorities to adopt more proactive measures to address kidnapping and other security challenges, stressing the need to prevent such attacks rather than responding after they occur.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident. Efforts to obtain the command’s reaction were ongoing.

(Photo Credit: Life Issues Magazine/Facebook)