Pastor, two church members kidnapped in Benue as insecurity deepens
A pastor and two members of his congregation have been abducted in Benue State, raising fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in the state.
The victims were identified as Pastor Samuel Gbinde of the Universal Reform Christian Church (URCC), also known as Nongu u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST), and two members of his church.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the General Secretary of URCC, Titus Targba, said the abduction occurred on Tuesday at the pastor's residence within the NKST Church premises in Andyar, Ishan Classis, Benue State.
Targba appealed to church members and the general public to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the victims. He also called on security agencies, the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted persons and bring the perpetrators 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," he said.
The church also urged authorities to adopt more proactive strategies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
"It is imperative to take the fight to the perpetrators rather than merely responding after these heinous crimes have been committed," Targba added.
The latest incident comes amid escalating security challenges in Benue State.
On June 26, the Benue State chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku, and his associate, Yakubu Isa, were reportedly killed after attending a peace meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area. Police later confirmed the arrest of 10 suspects in connection with the killings.
The abduction of the NKST pastor and two church members adds to the growing list of kidnappings and violent attacks that have continued to plague communities across Benue despite ongoing security operations and peace-building efforts.
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