Tension has engulfed Sapele and surrounding communities in Delta State following the abduction of the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Bright Abeke, by suspected gunmen.
The council boss was reportedly kidnapped around 7 p.m. on Friday when heavily armed assailants stormed a hotel along Owumi Road in a daring and coordinated attack that triggered panic among residents and guests.
Eyewitnesses said about 15 gunmen arrived in a Range Rover SUV accompanied by two other vehicles. The attackers allegedly fired sporadically into the air to disperse people before seizing the chairman and fleeing to an unknown destination.
Sources within the community disclosed that the gunmen appeared to have prior knowledge of their target, moving straight toward Abeke upon arrival—an indication that the operation was premeditated.
During the incident, a local vigilante member identified simply as Ufuoma was reportedly shot while attempting to resist the attackers. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but his condition remained unclear as of press time.
The development has heightened fear among residents, many of whom lamented the worsening security situation in the area. Political associates, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were seen gathering at the scene, expressing concern over the chairman’s safety and demanding urgent action.
As of the time of filing this report, Abeke’s whereabouts remained unknown, prompting calls for swift intervention by security agencies to secure his release.
Security operatives have since cordoned off major entry and exit points in Sapele as part of efforts to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victim.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, Bright Edafe, said a coordinated rescue operation had been launched.
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had directed the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the safe rescue of the chairman and the apprehension of those behind the abduction.
The incident comes less than 24 hours after suspected gunmen reportedly issued threats to unleash violence in the area, raising fresh concerns over escalating insecurity in the locality.
