KEY POINTS

• Gunmen abducted Sapele council chairman Bright Abeke during a shooting attack at a hotel in Delta State.
• At least two people, including a vigilante member, were shot and injured in the incident.
• Residents and political stakeholders are calling for urgent security action as fear and tension rise in the area.

Residents of Sapele were thrown into panic on Friday evening after suspected gunmen abducted the Chairman of the Local Government Council, Okakuro Bright Afure Abeke, during a violent attack at a hotel.

The incident, which occurred around 7:25 p.m. along Owumi Road, has heightened fears over security in the area and sparked calls for immediate intervention by law enforcement agencies.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at the hotel in a Range Rover and immediately opened fire on Abeke upon arrival, causing chaos and forcing people to flee for safety.

Amid the confusion, the gunmen reportedly seized Abeke and forced him into their vehicle before speeding away to an undisclosed location.

The audacity of the attack, carried out in a public space at a busy hour, has raised concerns about the growing boldness of criminal groups operating in the region.

Casualties recorded during the incident

During the attack on Abeke, a vigilante member identified as Ufuoma and another individual were shot by the assailants.

The injured vigilante was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, although his condition remained unclear as of the time of reporting. The second victim’s condition was not immediately confirmed.

The involvement of a vigilante operative highlights the risks faced by local security volunteers who often serve as first responders in such incidents.

Following the abduction, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to which the council chairman belongs, gathered at the scene seeking information and expressing concern over the development.

Residents of Sapele have also voiced alarm over the deteriorating security situation, urging authorities to act swiftly to secure the release of Abeke and prevent further escalation.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful, as calls to his line were not answered.

As uncertainty lingers, fear continues to spread across the community, with many residents worried about their safety and the potential for further attacks.

Security experts note that such high-profile abductions could have wider implications for governance and public confidence if not addressed promptly.