Gunmen have abducted the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Bright Abeke, in an attack that sparked panic in the community.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident occurred less than 24 hours after suspected gunmen reportedly issued threats of violence in the area, raising concerns over growing insecurity.

Eyewitnesses said the council chairman was abducted at about 7pm on Friday at a hotel along Owumi Road in Sapele, as the attackers fired gunshots.

The assailants, said to be about 15 in number, reportedly stormed the premises in a Range Rover SUV and two other vehicles, shooting sporadically to disperse residents and guests.

They were said to have gone straight for their target before forcefully taking him to an unknown destination.

A member of a local vigilante group, identified simply as Ufuoma, was reportedly shot during the attack and rushed to a nearby hospital.

His condition could not be confirmed as of press time.

Meanwhile, security operatives have cordoned off major entry and exit points in Sapele as efforts intensify to rescue the abducted chairman.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident to our correspondent, saying the command had commenced operations to secure the victim’s release.

“Confirmed. The CP has ordered that the command’s special anti-kidnapping unit deploy their arsenals to ensure that he is rescued unhurt and the suspects arrested,” he said in a WhatsApp message. (PUNCH)