Gunmen have abducted a pastor, Rev. Samuel Gbinde, and two members of his congregation from his residence in Benue State.

The incident was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Executive Committee of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church.

According to the church, the victims were abducted in the early hours of Tuesday from the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State.

“It is with a heavy heart, yet with unwavering confidence in the sovereignty of Almighty God, that we announce the unfortunate abduction of our cleric, Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, along with two members of his congregation, in the early hours of today, 30 June 2026.

“They were abducted from the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State,” the statement read.

The church called on its clergy, members, congregations and friends to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the abducted persons.

The statement also said, “The leadership of the NKST calls upon all clergy, members, congregations and friends of the Church to unite in earnest prayer during this difficult time for the safe and unconditional release of Rev. Dr. Gbinde and the two church members.

“We also pray that God will grant strength, comfort and hope to their families, the congregation at Andyar and the entire NKST family.”

The church also appealed to security agencies and the Benue State and Federal Governments to intensify efforts to rescue the victims 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,” it said.

It urged both governments to adopt more proactive and sustained measures to tackle kidnapping and other security challenges.

“Furthermore, the Church urges both the Benue State and Federal Governments to adopt more proactive and sustained measures in addressing kidnapping and other forms of insecurity. It is imperative to take the fight to the perpetrators rather than merely responding after these heinous crimes have been committed,” the statement read.

The church expressed confidence that the victims would return safely and prayed for peace and security across the country.

The Benue State Police Command has yet to issue a statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report. Efforts are ongoing to obtain the command’s reaction.

The Borno State Police Command has deployed security operatives to Lassa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area following the abduction of an unspecified number of students writing the National Examinations Council examinations by suspected terrorists.

The attackers stormed the school at about 9 a.m. on Monday, shooting sporadically before abducting students and women selling food items within the school premises.

Confirming the deployment to PUN, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, said security operatives confronted the attackers, preventing a larger-scale abduction.

“Around 9 a.m. in the morning, ISWAP attacked Lassa Day Secondary School. They shot sporadically. An unspecified number of students have been abducted.

“Security forces confronted them. For now, we have an unspecified number of students who were abducted. The CP deployed the Area Commander in Askira/Uba. They are currently combing the bush,” Daso said.

The Special Adviser to Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, on Media and Strategy, Mr Solomon Kwamagar, a resident of Lassa, also confirmed the incident Monday morning.

He disclosed that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and invaded the school.

“Today is Lassa market day. I was informed that they came through the market on motorcycles and went to Government Day Secondary School, Lassa. They shot and killed one teacher and took away all the students who were in their classrooms,” he said.

Kwamagar added, “Lassa in Borno State is predominantly inhabited by my people, the Margi. We are in both Adamawa and Borno states. I am from Lassa, but I chose to reside in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.”

He further said, “I’m still making contacts to ascertain the total number of students and teachers who were kidnapped from the school.”

Earlier, the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, said that the attackers wore military and forest guard uniforms.

“Yes. There was an attack on students writing NECO exams. The terrorists came around past nine. They passed the military checkpoint. They wore military and forest guard attire. They shot sporadically,” he said.

Kaigama said one teacher was killed while another sustained gunshot injuries.

“They killed one teacher from Chibok. They shot another, but not dead yet. They also kidnapped some students and women selling on the school premises. The numbers are not yet out,” he said.

When contacted, the Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Mada Saidu, declined to comment.

“I am very busy now. We are in a situation,” he said.

Efforts to obtain comments from the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, were unsuccessful as he neither answered calls nor responded to messages.

However, residents claimed that two teachers and one student were killed during the attack.

“They killed two teachers and one female student. The student was shot in her mouth,” a resident who requested anonymity said.

On May 16, 42 students and pupils were abducted after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, had said the abductees comprised four students of Government Day Secondary School, 28 primary school pupils and 10 children abducted from their homes.

The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has wrapped up marathon strategy meetings involving its presidential candidate, Peter Obi; national leader, Seriake Dickson; National Working Committee members and other key stakeholders ahead of Monday’s (today) appeal against the court ruling that nullified its registration.

The development comes barely 48 hours after the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC.

The ruling has intensified political tensions and drawn condemnation from opposition leaders who insist the decision is aimed at weakening opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general election.

A senior party official disclosed that the party leadership had been holding back-to-back emergency meetings to finalise its legal strategy before approaching the Court of Appeal on Monday.

According to him, Obi, Dickson, the party’s national chairman, national secretary and other members of the party’s leadership attended Saturday’s closed-door meeting, while another emergency session was held on Sunday to fine-tune preparations for the appeal.

“Yes, a number of closed-door meetings have taken place since the Kogi High Court judgment went viral. For instance, Obi, Senator Dickson, the party chairman, the secretary and other executives were in yesterday’s meeting.

“Even as we speak, there is another emergency meeting ongoing ahead of tomorrow’s appeal.

“However, we are not privy yet to who will lead the legal team. What I only know is that the NDC National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, will play a key role in it,” the source said.

The National Secretary of the party, Ikenna Enekweizu, who spoke to our correspondent on the sidelines of a recent press briefing, confirmed that the appeal would be filed on Monday.

Enekweizu, however, declined to disclose the identity of the counsel that would lead the legal battle.

He said, “I don’t think it’s appropriate at this time for us to announce who our legal team leader will be. By the time we file our processes on Monday, you will know those who are in the team and who the leader is. I don’t know if that answers your question.”

The lawyer described the Lokoja judgment as unprecedented and lacking any legal foundation, insisting that the party remained convinced it would secure victory on appeal.

“This is the worst thing that can happen in judiciary. That ruling has no legal basis. There is no precedent in law that can justify it.

“So, obviously, we see it as part of the attempts by the powers that be to further shrink the democratic process in Nigeria.

“I’m sure we are aware that recently, some parties, by virtue of a judicial ruling, were ordered to be deregistered.

“What they were attempting to do was to ensure that we do not take part in the democratic process that is still ongoing. But I can assure you that it will not happen. Our candidates will definitely participate in the forthcoming elections.

“Of course, we have a strong conviction that the judiciary is still the last hope of the common man in Nigeria. The court that delivered the ruling is not the highest court and it’s not the last court in the land. We’ll see our appeal process through to its ultimate end.

“I can assure you that all our candidates, from presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, his running mate and all our candidates up to the House of Assembly level, will all be on the ballot,” he stated.

Kwankwaso meets Dickson

The National Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that no temporary setback would weaken the Nigeria Democratic Congress as the party grapples with the recent court ruling setting aside its recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Kwankwaso stated this after paying a courtesy visit to the National Leader of the NDC, former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, in Abuja on Sunday.

The former Kano State governor disclosed the visit in a post on his verified Facebook page, saying the meeting formed part of efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Today, I paid a courtesy visit to the National Leader of our party, the NDC, His Excellency Seriake Dickson, at his residence in Abuja,” Kwankwaso wrote.

“The engagement forms part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s unity, resilience and strategic readiness as we prepare for the 2027 general elections.”

He expressed confidence that the party would overcome its current legal challenges, insisting that its members remained committed to democratic principles and the rule of law.

“As true democrats, we remain committed to the rule of law and have absolute confidence in the judicial process,” he said.

“No temporary setback can weaken the spirit of a movement built on hope, justice, equity and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people.”

Kwankwaso also appealed to members and supporters of the party not to be discouraged by the recent developments.

“I urge all party members, supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to stay calm, resolute and focused on our shared mission. Together, we will rise above every challenge,” he added.

“Nigeria will be OK.”