Tension has gripped Sapele metropolis and environs following the abduction of the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Bright Abeke.
The council boss was reportedly kidnapped at about 7 pm on Friday evening by arms-wielding gunmen who stormed a hotel along Owumi Road in Sapele, in a brazen attack that sent panic across the area.
Eyewitnesses said that the council chairman was whisked away amid heavy gunfire by the invading gunmen numbering about 15, who had arrived the scene in a Range Rover SUV and two other vehicles, shooting sporadically to disperse residents and guests.
They said members of the community were afraid after being informed about the news of the kidnapped council chair.
On their arrival, the hoodlums reportedly proceeded straight to their target, before forcefully taking him to an unknown destination.
It was further gathered that a member of a local vigilante group, identified simply as Ufuoma, was shot during the attack.
The vigilante man was reportedly rushed to a nearby hospital, though his condition could not be confirmed as of press time.
Consequently, political associates comprising mainly members of the All Progressives Congress, to which the council boss belongs, have been trooping to the hotel and surrounding area, seeking firsthand information and expressing concern over the development.
As of the time of going to the press, the whereabouts of the abducted council chairman had remained unknown, while residents and political associates continue to call for swift action by security agencies to ensure his safe rescue.
Meanwhile, security operatives have since cordoned off major entry and exit points in Sapele as efforts were being intensified to rescue the abducted chairman.
When contacted, the police public relations officer (PPRO) for Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe confirmed the incident noting that the Command was making spirited moves to rescue the abducted Council Chairman.
The PPRO stated in a WhatsApp message, said, “Confirmed. The CP has ordered that the command special anti kidnapping unit deploy their arsenals to ensure that he is rescued unhurt and the suspects arrested”.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the abduction of the Sapele Local Government Chairman came up barely 24 hours after suspected gunmen reportedly issued threats to unleash violence in the area, heightening concerns over rising insecurity in the locality.