A tragic end to an already harrowing ordeal — the Reverend Samuel Gbinde of the NKST church in Guma LGA, Benue State, has passed away just days after regaining his freedom from kidnappers.
The Senior Pastor of the Universal Reformed Christian Church (NKST), Andyar Ishan Classis, Saghev Council Ward, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, Reverend Samuel Gbinde, has died — and the timing could not be more heartbreaking.
The man of God, who had been abducted by unknown gunmen, tragically lost his life just days after he was freed from captivity, leaving his congregation, family, and the entire Benue community in deep mourning.
A Community Shattered by Grief
Benue State, often referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has in recent years become no stranger to stories of kidnappings, herdsmen attacks, and communal violence. The death of Rev. Gbinde adds yet another painful chapter to the struggles faced by residents of this resilient but embattled state.
For the members of his NKST congregation in Saghev Council Ward, the news has been nothing short of devastating. Their shepherd — the man they looked to for spiritual guidance and comfort — is gone, taken too soon under the most distressing of circumstances.
Kidnapping of Clergy: A Growing Concern in Nigeria
The abduction of religious leaders in Nigeria has become an increasingly alarming trend. From the North to the South, pastors, priests, and imams have found themselves targets of criminal gangs motivated by ransom demands.
This disturbing pattern raises serious questions about the safety of religious figures who dedicate their lives to serving their communities — often in rural and underserved areas where security presence is thin and response times are dangerously slow.
Rev. Gbinde’s case is a stark reminder that even after victims are released, the trauma and physical toll of captivity can prove fatal.
Calls for Justice and Better Security
The death of Rev. Gbinde has renewed calls from community leaders, religious organisations, and concerned Nigerians for:
– Stronger security presence in rural communities across Benue State
– Swift investigation and prosecution of the kidnappers responsible
– Better welfare support for victims of kidnapping and their families
– Urgent government action to address the root causes of insecurity in the Middle Belt region
A Life of Service Cut Short
Reverend Gbinde devoted his life to his faith and his people. His passing is not just a loss to his immediate family and church — it is a loss to the broader community he served with dedication.
As Nigerians, we must continue to speak up against the senseless violence that robs us of our finest citizens. No family should have to bury a loved one whose only crime was answering the call to serve God and community.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his family find strength and comfort in this incredibly difficult time.
Have thoughts on the rising insecurity in Benue State and Nigeria at large? Drop your comments below and let’s have this important conversation.
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