Gunmen have abducted the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area in Delta State, Bright Abeke, in a brazen attack that triggered panic across the community.
The incident, which occurred on Friday evening, came less than 24 hours after suspected assailants reportedly issued threats of violence in Sapele, heightening fears over worsening insecurity in the area.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers struck at about 7 p.m. at a hotel along Owumi Road, firing sporadically to disperse residents and guests. The gunmen, reportedly numbering about 15, arrived in a Range Rover SUV and two other vehicles before heading straight for their target.
Abeke was subsequently whisked away to an unknown destination.
During the attack, a member of a local vigilante group, identified as Ufuoma, was shot and rushed to a nearby hospital. His condition had not been confirmed as of press time.
Security operatives have since sealed off major entry and exit points in Sapele, intensifying efforts to secure the chairman’s release.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, said the command had launched an operation to rescue the victim.
“Confirmed. The Commissioner of Police has ordered the command’s special anti-kidnapping unit to deploy its arsenal to ensure that he is rescued unhurt and the suspects are arrested,” he said.
