Rev. Samuel Gbinde, Senior Pastor of the Universal Reformed Christian Church (NKST), Andyar Ishan Classis, Saghev Council Ward in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, has died days after regaining freedom from kidnappers.
The cleric was abducted about two weeks ago alongside two members of his church. The victims were later released after a ransom was reportedly paid.
According to sources within the church, Rev. Gbinde sustained severe injuries after he was allegedly beaten and tortured while in captivity. Following his release, he was rushed to the NKST Mission Hospital in Gboko in critical condition before being referred to a medical facility in Makurdi for further treatment.
Despite efforts by doctors to save his life, the pastor died a few days later.
A church member described his ordeal as traumatic, alleging that the kidnappers subjected him to intense physical abuse during his captivity.
Reacting to the development, Dr. Eunice Ortom, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Benue North-West Senatorial District in the 2027 elections, described Rev. Gbinde’s death as a tragic loss to the church, Guma Local Government Area, and Benue State.
She said the late cleric was a dedicated servant of God who was widely respected for his compassion, selfless service, and unwavering commitment to the spiritual and social well-being of his community.
