RismadarVoice Reporters, April 11, 2026
Gunmen have abducted the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area in Delta State, Chief Bright Abeke, in a late-night attack that has triggered tension and heightened security concerns in the community.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday at about 7:00 p.m. at a hotel along Owumi Road, Sapele, barely 24 hours after alleged threats of violence were circulated in parts of the area.
Eyewitnesses said about 15 armed men stormed the location in a convoy of a Range Rover SUV and two other vehicles, firing gunshots sporadically to scare away residents and guests before targeting the council chairman.
According to accounts from the scene, the assailants overpowered security presence and whisked the chairman away to an unknown destination.
During the attack, a member of a local vigilante group, identified as Ufuoma, was reportedly shot while attempting to respond to the incident. He was rushed to a nearby medical facility, though his condition had not been confirmed as of press time.
Following the abduction, security operatives cordoned off major entry and exit routes in Sapele as part of ongoing efforts to track the kidnappers and rescue the victim.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the Commissioner of Police had ordered the immediate deployment of the command’s anti-kidnapping unit to secure the chairman’s release and apprehend those responsible.
“Confirmed. The CP has ordered the command’s special anti-kidnapping unit to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the victim is rescued unhurt and the suspects arrested,” he said.
