A clergyman identified as Samuel Gbinde and worshippers in a church have been kidnapped following an attack by a gang of gunmen on a church in Benue State.
The armed men were said have invaded the church, Nongu u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) while service was ongoing, the church management calling for a swift intervention by the security agency for the rescuing of the abductees.
“We are passing through a difficult moment as a church family. However, we remain hopeful that Rev. Gbinde and the other abducted members will return safely,” a statement by the bank reads following the incident which happened during early hours of Tuesday at the religious facility at Andyar in Ishan Classics area.
The church expressed solidarity with the families of the victims and members of the affected congregation calling on security agencies to act against criminal groups operating in the area.
It added that the protection of lives and property must remain a priority, also beseeching the authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
Moreover, the church appealed to both the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to strengthen security across vulnerable communities and places of worship to prevent similar incidents.
They plead that security authorities should place greater emphasis on preventive measures, noting that proactive strategies would help curb the activities of kidnappers and other criminal elements before attacks occur.
Despite the ordeal, the NKST Church expressed confidence that the abducted pastor and the two worshippers would regain their freedom, while also offering prayers for peace, stability and improved security across Nigeria.
The church also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies as efforts continue to address the persistent security challenges affecting communities in Benue and other parts of the country.