Gunmen have abducted the resident pastor of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar Church, Rev. Samuel Gbinde, along with two members of his congregation in Benue State.
The victims were kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday after the assailants invaded the pastor’s residence within the church premises in Andyar, Ishan Classis, according to a statement issued by the church’s Executive Committee.
The church described the incident as painful and called on members to remain steadfast in faith while praying for the safe return of the abducted cleric and the two church members.
“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,” the statement read.
The church also appealed to security agencies, as well as the Benue State and Federal Governments, to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
It urged authorities to adopt proactive measures to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes instead of responding only after attacks had occurred.
The church further prayed for strength for the families of the victims and expressed hope that the abducted pastor and the two church members would return safely.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Efforts to obtain the command’s reaction were still ongoing.
