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A senior pastor of the Universal Reformed Christian Church (NKST), Rev. Samuel Gbinde, has died days after regaining freedom from kidnappers, with church members alleging that injuries sustained during captivity contributed to his death.
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According to reports, Rev. Gbinde was abducted alongside two members of his congregation. The victims were released after a ransom was reportedly paid. However, church sources claimed the pastor never fully recovered from the severe beatings and torture he allegedly endured while in captivity. He was initially admitted to the NKST Mission Hospital in Gboko in critical condition before being transferred to a medical facility in Makurdi for specialised treatment, where he later passed away.
Reacting to the incident, Dr. Eunice Ortom, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Benue North-West Senatorial District in the 2027 elections, described the pastor’s death as a painful loss to the church, Guma Local Government Area, and Benue State. She paid tribute to the late cleric’s legacy of faith, compassion, and selfless service, while praying for strength and comfort for his family and the church.
The tragic incident has renewed concerns about the rising cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in parts of Benue State, which continue to affect residents and rural communities. As of the time of publication, no official statement had been issued by security authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the pastor’s abduction and subsequent death.
