Rev. Samuel Gbinde, senior pastor of the Universal Reformed Christian Church (NKST) in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, has died following his release from suspected armed herdsmen.
He was abducted roughly two weeks ago alongside two congregation members.
The cleric and his companions were freed after ransom money was paid, but Gbinde's condition deteriorated rapidly after his release. A church member who requested anonymity said the pastor suffered severe beatings and torture during his time in captivity.
"After his release, Reverend Gbinde was rushed to the mission hospital in Gboko because he was in a very critical condition," the source told reporters. "He had been badly beaten and tortured during his captivity."
Medical teams in both Gboko and Makurdi fought to save his life, but he died days later. The loss has sparked deep mourning across Guma and the broader church community.
Many in his congregation remembered Gbinde as a devoted minister who showed unwavering dedication to serving God and his community. Church members and residents described him as a compassionate figure committed to spiritual and moral leadership.
Dr. Eunice Ortom, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate for Benue North-West Senatorial District in the 2027 elections, issued a condolence statement marking the pastor's death as a significant loss.
She noted that Gbinde's life embodied "selfless service, compassion and unwavering commitment to the spiritual and moral wellbeing of his community."
"His death is a painful loss not only to the NKST family but also to Guma LGA and Benue State as a whole," Dr. Ortom said in her message.
She extended condolences to Gbinde's family, the NKST Church Andyar, and the wider NKST Church across the world. Dr.
Ortom prayed that God would give them strength during the grieving period.
The politician also seized on the tragedy to criticize Benue's deteriorating security situation. She called the circumstances around Gbinde's death "another tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity in Benue State."
Dr. Ortom demanded that government and security agencies take aggressive steps to stop the rising tide of kidnappings, murders and violent crimes across the state.
"The protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government," she said.
In her words, "Rev. Gbinde's death should strengthen our collective resolve to restore lasting peace and security in Benue State."
