Nigeria, July 1 -- A pastor and two members of his congregation have been kidnapped in Benue State, amid growing concerns over insecurity in the state.

Samuel Gbinde is a pastor of the Universal Reform Christian Church (URCC), also known as Nongu u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST).

The General Secretary of URCC, Titus Targba, said in a statement that the incident occurred on Tuesday.

"The victims were abducted from the pastor's residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State," he said.

Mr Targba called on church members and the public to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the abducted pastor and the two church members.

He also urged security agencies and both the Benue State and federal governments to act s...