Unknown gunmen have abducted Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, a cleric of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST), along with two members of his congregation, from his residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State. The abduction occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, June 30, 2026, according to an official statement signed by NKST General Secretary Rev. Dr. T. A. Targba. The church has called on security agencies and the Benue State and Federal Governments to act swiftly to secure the victims' release and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST), one of Nigeria's largest indigenous Protestant denominations and a historic institution in Benue State, has confirmed the abduction of a senior cleric and two church members by armed gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday.

Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, a pastor serving in the Ishan Classis of the NKST, was seized alongside two unidentified members of his congregation when gunmen invaded his residence at the NKST Church compound in Andyar. The abduction took place in the predawn hours of Tuesday, June 30, 2026, under circumstances that remain under investigation.

In a statement signed by Rev. Dr. T. A. Targba, the NKST General Secretary, the church confirmed the incident and described it as "unfortunate," while stopping short of providing further operational details likely in deference to ongoing security sensitivities.

The NKST called on its clergy, members, and the wider public to offer "fervent prayers for the safe and unconditional release" of the victims. The church extended sympathy to the affected families and the local congregation, praying for "strength, comfort and hope during this difficult period."

In unusually direct language for a religious institution, the NKST called on "relevant security agencies, as well as the Benue State and Federal Governments, to act swiftly" to rescue the victims and ensure the perpetrators are "apprehended and brought to justice."

The church went further, urging both tiers of government to adopt "more proactive and sustained measures to tackle kidnapping and other forms of insecurity," emphasising prevention over reaction. The statement called for structural solutions rather than episodic responses, a message that reflects deepening frustration in many Benue communities over persistent insecurity.

Benue State has been grappling with multifaceted security challenges for several years, including armed herder-farmer conflicts, kidnapping for ransom, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents. Churches, mosques, schools, and community gatherings have increasingly become targets in various parts of the state and the broader Middle Belt region. 

The NKST, founded in 1911 and rooted in the Tiv cultural heartland of Benue, has an estimated membership in the millions and represents a significant portion of Benue State's Christian population. An attack on its clergy carries broad religious, social, and political significance.

As of the time of this report, there was no immediately available public statement from the Benue State Police Command, the Benue State Government, or the Federal Government regarding the abduction. Benue Info-pedia is reaching out to these authorities for comment.

The NKST closed its statement reaffirming faith and expressing trust "for the safe return of Rev. Dr. Gbinde, his companions and all those currently held captive," while praying for "lasting peace and security across the country."