CITIZENS COMPASS— Suspected gunmen have abducted the Chairman of Sapele Local Government in Delta State, Chief Bright Abeke.
The incident occurred over the weekend, at a hotel along Owumi Road in Sapele injuring some people in the process.
Earlier, threats of attacks were said to be issued in the area before the abduction of the council chairman.
According to eye witnesses’ accounts, the council chairman was abducted at about 7p.m on Friday at a hotel along Owumi Road in Sapele, as the attackers fired gunshots.
The assailants, said to be about 15 in number, reportedly stormed the premises in a Range Rover SUV and two other vehicles, shooting sporadically to disperse residents and guests.
They were said to have gone straight for their target before forcefully taking him to an unknown destination.
Confirming the abduction, spokesperson, Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has conducted a comprehensive operational visit to Sapele following the abduction of the Local Government Chairman, reinforcing the Command’s determination to secure his safe and unharmed release.
Edafe in his updates said the visit formed part of a coordinated response to the incident, with the CP personally assessing critical locations connected to the crime. He inspected Debro Fred Guest House, where the abduction occurred, to obtain first-hand situational clarity. He also visited Ogorode Waterside, where the vehicle reportedly used in the operation was recovered, providing further direction for intelligence exploitation and forensic follow-up.
“In a solemn engagement, the CP visited the wife of the abducted LGA Chairman, conveying empathy and assuring the family that the command is doing everything necessary to ensure his safe return. He also visited the hospitals where some of the injured victims during the attack were receiving treatment.
“The CP emphasised that the command, in synergy with other security agencies, has deployed adequate resources and is working on credible information to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victim unhurt. He urged residents of Sapele and the wider Delta State community to remain vigilant and cooperate with police by providing credible and timely information. He stressed that public support remains vital to the success of ongoing operations.
“The Delta State Police Command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and will continue to take decisive steps to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
