Fear and uncertainty have gripped a rural Benue community after gunmen stormed the residence of a local cleric, abducting him and two members of his congregation at gunpoint.

The victims, identified by church authorities as Rev Dr Samuel Gbinde and two unnamed congregants, were taken from the pastor’s residence within the premises of NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State.

The Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar Church, NKST, confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Executive Committee, describing the abduction as a devastating blow to the church and the wider Christian community in the state.

The statement said the assailants invaded the pastor’s residence in the early hours, overpowering those present before whisking the three victims away to an unknown destination. No group has claimed responsibility, and it is not yet clear whether contact has been established with the kidnappers.

NKST leadership called for intense prayers and solidarity, urging clergy, members and friends of the church to intercede for the safe and unconditional release of the abducted pastor and worshippers. The church also appealed for strength and comfort for the affected families and the congregation at Andyar, which has been left traumatised by the attack.

Beyond spiritual appeals, the church issued a strong call to action to security agencies and government authorities. It urged the Benue State Government, the Federal Government and all relevant security outfits to act swiftly and decisively to locate and rescue the victims and to ensure that those behind the crime are tracked down and prosecuted.

The NKST leadership further demanded more proactive and sustained measures against kidnapping and other violent crimes, insisting that authorities must “take the fight to the perpetrators” rather than merely reacting after attacks have occurred.

The abduction adds to a growing list of attacks on clergy and worship centres in parts of Nigeria, where churches and rural communities have increasingly become targets for criminal gangs seeking ransom.

The Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official reaction to the incident, and efforts to obtain details on ongoing rescue operations were still underway at the time of this report.