Clergyman Succumbs to Injuries After Captivity
The Senior Pastor of the Universal Reformed Christian Church (NKST), Andyar Ishan Classis, Saghev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, Rev. Samuel Gbinde, has died days after being released by his abductors. The cleric was kidnapped approximately two weeks ago alongside two members of his congregation. Although the victims were later freed after a ransom was allegedly paid, Rev. Gbinde succumbed to injuries sustained during his captivity shortly after his release.
Torture and Critical Condition
A church member who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed that the pastor endured severe torture while in captivity. According to the source, “after his release, Reverend Gbinde was rushed to the mission hospital in Gboko because he was in a very critical condition. He had been badly beaten and tortured during his captivity. Sadly, despite the efforts of medical personnel in Gboko and later Makurdi, to save his life, he passed away a few days ago.” The death of the cleric has sparked grief across the church and the Guma communities.
Condolences from Political Figures
Reacting to the development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Benue North-West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, Dr. Eunice Ortom, expressed sadness over the death of the pastor, describing it as a huge loss to the church and the state. In a condolence message, Dr. Ortom said, “Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde was a devoted servant of God whose life was defined by 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.” She extended her condolences to the bereaved family, NKST Church Andyar, Ishan Classis, and the entire NKST Church worldwide, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
