Chief Bright Abeke, the chairman of Delta State's Sapele Local Government Area, was kidnapped by gunmen in an attack that caused fear in the neighborhood.

Less than a day has passed since suspected gunmen allegedly threatened bloodshed in the region, sparking worries about escalating danger.

The council chairman was kidnapped at a hotel on Owumi Road in Sapele at 7 p.m. on Friday, according to witnesses, while the assailants opened fire.

The attackers, who were apparently around fifteen in number, assaulted the property in a Range Rover SUV and two other cars, firing intermittently to scatter locals and visitors.

Before forcibly transporting him to an unidentified location, they allegedly went right for their target.

During the assault, a local vigilante group member known only as Ufuoma was allegedly shot and taken to a nearby hospital.

As of the time of publication, his condition could not be verified.

As efforts to free the kidnapped chairman escalate, security personnel have blocked off key entry and exit points in Sapele.

Our correspondent was informed of the event by SP Bright Edafe, the Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, who stated that the command has started working to secure the victim's release.

“Confirmed. The CP has ordered that the command’s special anti-kidnapping unit deploy their arsenals to ensure that he is rescued unhurt and the suspects arrested,” he said in a WhatsApp message.

Source