Gunmen have abducted a cleric, Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, along with two worshippers from his residence at the NKST Church in Andyar, located in Benue State.
The incident was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by the Executive Committee of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church.
According to the church, the abduction occurred when the assailants stormed the pastor’s residence at the NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, and whisked away the three victims.
The statement read: “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.
“They were abducted from the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State.”
The church urged its ministers, members, congregations and well-wishers to remain steadfast in prayer for the victims’ safe and unconditional release.
It said: “The leadership of the NKST calls upon all clergy, members, congregations and friends of the Church to unite in earnest prayer during this difficult time for the safe and unconditional release of Rev. Dr. Gbinde and the two church members.
“We also pray that God will grant strength, comfort and hope to their families, the congregation at Andyar and the entire NKST family.”
The church further appealed to security agencies and the governments of Benue State and the Federal Government to take urgent action to rescue the abducted victims and ensure those behind the attack are brought to justice.
“We further call on the relevant security agencies, as well as the Governments of Benue State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to act swiftly and decisively to secure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and ensure that those responsible for this criminal act are apprehended and brought to justice,” the statement added.
The church also urged both levels of government to adopt a more proactive approach to tackling the growing menace of kidnapping and other security threats.
“Furthermore, the Church urges both the Benue State and Federal Governments to adopt more proactive and sustained measures in addressing kidnapping and other forms of insecurity. It is imperative to take the fight to the perpetrators rather than merely responding after these heinous crimes have been committed,” the statement said.
Expressing hope for the victims’ safe return, the church prayed for lasting peace and improved security across the country.
