Sapele, Delta State — Suspected gunmen on Friday night abducted the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Bright Abeke, in a daring attack at a hotel that has heightened fears over rising insecurity in the oil-rich community.
The abduction, which occurred at about 7pm along Owumi Road, was carried out by heavily armed assailants who stormed the premises and opened fire, sending residents and hotel guests scrambling for safety, according to multiple eyewitness accounts.
Sources said the attack came amid growing tension in the area, with reports that threats of violence had circulated less than a day earlier, raising concerns among locals before the incident eventually unfolded.
Witnesses said the attackers, estimated to be about 15, arrived in a Range Rover SUV accompanied by two other vehicles and immediately began shooting to create panic and resistance-free access to their target.
The gunmen were said to have moved swiftly, heading straight for the council chairman before forcibly taking him away to an unknown destination.
During the operation, a local vigilante member identified as Ufuoma was shot and later rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, although his condition remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has since thrown Sapele into confusion, with many residents expressing fear over what they describe as a worsening security situation in the area.
In response, security agencies have launched a coordinated operation, sealing off major entry and exit routes in and out of Sapele in a bid to track down the kidnappers and secure the chairman’s release.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, Bright Edafe, said the command had activated its special anti-kidnapping unit to handle the situation.
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had directed immediate deployment of tactical teams and resources to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and the arrest of those responsible.
“Operatives have been mobilised, and efforts are ongoing to rescue him unhurt and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Edafe said.
As of press time, there was no official information on the whereabouts of the abducted chairman or whether the kidnappers had made contact to demand ransom, while security operations continue across the area.
