Gunmen have abducted the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area in Delta State, Chief Bright Abeke, in an attack that threw the community into panic. The incident reportedly happened less than 24 hours after suspected gunmen issued threats of violence in the area, heightening concerns over rising insecurity. Eyewitnesses said the council chairman was kidnapped at about 7pm on Friday at a hotel along Owumi Road in Sapele, while the attackers fired shots into the air. The assailants, said to be about 15 in number, were said to have arrived in a Range Rover SUV and two other vehicles, shooting sporadically to scare away residents and hotel guests. They reportedly went straight for their target and whisked him away to an unknown destination. A member of a local vigilante group, identified simply as Ufuoma, was also shot during the attack and rushed to a nearby hospital. His condition was yet to be confirmed as of press time. Security operatives have since cordoned off major entry and exit points in Sapele as efforts continue to rescue the abducted chairman and track down the attackers. The Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident.

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 SAPELE, DELTA STATE — Panic has gripped the Sapele community following the brazen abduction of the Local Government Area Chairman, Chief Bright Abeke, on Friday evening.

​The kidnapping occurred at approximately 7:00 PM at a hotel located along Owumi Road. According to eyewitness accounts, a heavily armed gang of roughly 15 assailants arrived in a three-vehicle convoy, including a Range Rover SUV.

​Details of the Attack

​The operation was characterized by chaos and precision:

• ​Tactics: The gunmen fired sporadically into the air to disperse guests and residents before moving directly for Chief Abeke.
• ​Casualties: A local vigilante member, identified as Ufuoma, sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation. He is currently receiving medical treatment; his condition remains unconfirmed.
• ​Escalation: The attack follows a chilling "violent threat" issued by unidentified gunmen in the region less than 24 hours prior.

​Security Response

​In the wake of the abduction, security forces have mobilized to secure the area:

• ​Blockades: Major entry and exit routes in Sapele have been cordoned off.
• ​Search Operations: A manhunt is underway to track the kidnappers and ensure the safe rescue of the chairman.

​"The incident has been confirmed," stated SP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Command.




​The abduction marks a significant escalation in regional insecurity, leaving the community on high alert as authorities scramble for leads.