Gunmen on Friday abducted the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Bright Abeke, less than 24 hours after suspected gunmen reportedly issued threats of violence in the area.
Daily Intel Newspaper gathered that the incident which occurred at about 7pm at a hotel along Owumi Road in Sapele, triggered panic among residents of the area.
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.
A member of a local vigilante group, identified simply as Ufuoma, was reportedly shot during the attack and rushed to a nearby hospital.
His condition could not be confirmed as of press time.
Meanwhile, security operatives have cordoned off major entry and exit points in Sapele as efforts intensify to rescue the abducted chairman.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident to our correspondent, saying the command had commenced operations 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 told Punch in a WhatsApp message.
