Tension gripped residents of Sapele in Delta State on Friday night after armed men abducted the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Bright Abeke, during a violent attack at a hotel.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 7:25 p.m. along Owumi Road when the gunmen, said to have arrived in a vehicle, invaded the premises and fired sporadically before forcefully taking the council chairman away.
Witnesses said the sudden gunfire sent guests and passersby scampering for safety as the attackers executed the operation unchallenged.
In the course of the attack, a vigilante operative identified as Ufuoma and another individual were hit by bullets while attempting to intervene.
The injured vigilante was subsequently taken to a hospital for medical attention, though his condition had yet to be officially disclosed as of the time of filing this report.
Security agencies have yet to release an official statement on the incident, raising concerns among residents over the silence of authorities.
Meanwhile, loyalists and associates of the abducted chairman have continued to gather around the scene, expressing anxiety and demanding urgent information regarding his whereabouts.
The abduction has further heightened fears over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Delta State, with calls mounting for swift action by security operatives to ensure the safe rescue of the council boss and prevent a recurrence.
