The Senior Pastor of the Universal Reformed Christian Church (NKST), Andyar Ishan Classis, Saghev Council Ward in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, Rev. Samuel Gbinde, has died days after regaining freedom from his abductors.
Rev. Gbinde was reportedly kidnapped about two weeks ago alongside two members of his congregation.
Although the victims were later released after a ransom was allegedly paid, the cleric reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained during his captivity a few days after his release.
A church member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the pastor endured severe torture at the hands of his abductors while they waited for the ransom payment.
According to the source, “After his release, Rev. Gbinde was rushed to the mission hospital in Gboko because he was in a very critical condition. He had been badly beaten and tortured during his captivity. Sadly, despite the efforts of medical personnel in Gboko and later in Makurdi to save his life, he passed away a few days ago.”
The pastor’s death has sparked grief across the NKST Church and communities in Guma Local Government Area.
Reacting to the development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Benue North-West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, Dr. Eunice Ortom, expressed sadness over the cleric’s death, describing it as a huge loss to the church and the state.
In a condolence message, Dr. Ortom said, “Rev. Samuel Gbinde was a devoted servant of God whose life was defined by selfless service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the spiritual and moral well-being of his community. His death is a painful loss not only to the NKST family but also to the people of Guma Local Government Area and Benue State as a whole.”
She extended her condolences to the bereaved family, the NKST Church, Andyar Ishan Classis, and the entire NKST Church worldwide, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
