Gunmen have abducted the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Bright Abeke, in an attack that has heightened tension in Delta State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday evening at a hotel along Owumi Road in Sapele, where the attackers stormed the premises and opened fire to disperse residents and guests.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants, numbering about 15, arrived in multiple vehicles and went straight for their target before whisking him away to an unknown destination.

During the attack, a local vigilante member identified as Ufuoma was shot and taken to a nearby hospital. His condition remains unclear.

The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident and said security agencies had launched efforts to rescue the abducted chairman.

He added that the Commissioner of Police had ordered the deployment of the command’s anti-kidnapping unit to ensure the victim’s safe release and the arrest of those responsible.

Security operatives have since intensified surveillance and mounted checkpoints around Sapele as investigations continue.