Tension has gripped Sapele in Delta State following the abduction of the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Bright Abeke, by suspected gunmen.

The council boss was kidnapped on Friday evening at a hotel along Owumi Road, where heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the premises, firing shots to disperse people before whisking him away.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived in a sport utility vehicle and carried out the operation swiftly. During the incident, Abeke’s security aide and a local vigilante member, identified as Ufuoma, were shot and injured.

As of the time of reporting, the chairman’s whereabouts remain unknown, heightening anxiety among residents and political stakeholders.

Security operatives have since mounted checkpoints and sealed major routes in Sapele as part of efforts to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the incident, with spokesperson Bright Edafe stating that operations have been intensified following directives from the Commissioner of Police to curb kidnapping and related crimes.