The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the release of the abducted Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Bright Abeke, after spending 10 days in captivity.
Abeke was kidnapped around 7:00 p.m. on Friday when heavily armed gunmen stormed a hotel along Owumi Road in Sapele, Delta State. Eyewitnesses said about 15 attackers, arriving in a Range Rover and two additional vehicles, fired shots into the air, causing panic among residents and guests.
The assailants reportedly overpowered security personnel at the premises before whisking the council boss to an unknown location.
Confirming his release, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said Abeke had regained his freedom, though details surrounding the release remain unclear.
According to Edafe, no arrests have been made so far, but security operatives have intensified efforts to apprehend those responsible.
We have deployed technical and intelligence anti-kidnapping units to Sapele and we are already getting useful information about the abductors. There has been no ransom demand yet, but we are optimistic they will be tracked down soon,” he said.
The police command assured residents that ongoing operations are aimed at strengthening security in Sapele and surrounding communities.
The incident had sparked widespread concern across the state, including reactions from the government led by Sheriff Oborevwori, amid growing fears over rising cases of kidnapping and violent crime.
Abeke’s release has brought relief to his family, political associates, and residents of Sapele, many of whom had anxiously awaited positive news since his abduction.
