Gunmen kidnapped Pastor Samuel Gbinde and two members of his congregation from his home in Benue State on Tuesday, the Universal Reform Christian Church, URCC, has confirmed.
The church said the abduction happened at the pastor’s residence in NKST Church, Andyar, Ishan Classis. Gbinde leads the URCC, also known as Nongu u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar, NKST.
In a statement, URCC General Secretary Titus Targba described the incident as “unfortunate” but said the church trusts “the sovereignty of Almighty God.” He asked members and the public to pray for the victims’ safe and unconditional release.
Targba also called on the Benue State government, the federal government, and security agencies to act quickly to rescue the pastor and church members, and to arrest the attackers. He urged authorities to shift from reactive responses to proactive operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The kidnapping adds to rising insecurity in Benue. It follows the June 26 killing of Benue MACBAN chairman Ardo Risku and his associate Yakubu Isa after a peace meeting in Ohimini LGA. Police said 10 suspects were arrested over that attack.
Premium Times said it tried to reach Benue Police spokesperson Udeme Edet for comment, but received no response before publication.
