WARRI — Panic gripped Sapele in Delta State on Friday evening after suspected gunmen abducted the Chairman of the Local Government Council, Hon. Okakuro Bright Afure Abeke, in a brazen attack.

The incident occurred at about 7:25 p.m. at a hotel located along Owumi Road.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived in a Range Rover and immediately opened fire, causing chaos and fear in the area.

During the attack, a vigilante member identified as Ufuoma and another individual were shot.

The gunmen subsequently whisked the council chairman to an undisclosed location.

As of press time, the injured vigilante had been taken to a nearby hospital, though his condition remained uncertain.

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) later gathered at the scene, seeking information about the incident involving their party member.

The development has heightened tension among residents, who have called on security agencies to act swiftly to secure the chairman’s release and restore calm.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful, as calls to his line were not answered.