By Paul Aondoakaa, Makurdi 

A Senior Pastor of the Universal Reformed Christian Church (NKST), Rev. Samuel Gbinde, has died days after regaining freedom from kidnappers, with church members alleging that injuries he sustained during captivity contributed to his death.

A wave of grief has swept across Benue State following the death of Rev. Samuel Gbinde, Senior Pastor of the Universal Reformed Christian Church (NKST), Andyar Ishan Classis, Saghev Council Ward in Guma Local Government Area.

According to church members, the cleric died several days after he was released by kidnappers who had allegedly held him captive for about two weeks.

Rev. Gbinde was reportedly abducted alongside two members of his congregation. The victims were later released after a ransom was reportedly paid. However, church sources said the pastor never fully recovered from the injuries he allegedly sustained while in captivity.

A church member, who spoke on the development, alleged that the pastor was severely beaten and tortured during the period of his abduction.
Following his release, he was initially admitted to the NKST Mission Hospital in Gboko in critical condition before being transferred to a medical facility in Makurdi for specialised treatment. Despite medical efforts, he later died.

His passing has left family members, church faithful, and residents of Guma Local Government Area mourning the loss of a cleric widely described as humble, compassionate, and committed to serving both his congregation and the wider community.

Reacting to the development, Dr. Eunice Ortom, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Benue North-West Senatorial District in the 2027 elections, described the pastor's death as a painful loss to the church, Guma Local Government Area, and Benue State.

She paid tribute to the late cleric's legacy of faith, compassion, and selfless service, praying for strength and comfort for his family, the church, and all those affected by the tragedy.

The incident has renewed concerns about insecurity in parts of Benue State, where cases of kidnapping and violent attacks continue to affect residents and rural communities.

As of the time of publication, no official statement had been issued by security authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the pastor's death following his release.