The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the release of the abducted Chairman of Sapele Local Council, Chief Bright Abeke, after 10 days in captivity.
Abeke was kidnapped at about 7:00 p.m. on Friday last week when armed assailants invaded a hotel where he was staying along Owumi Road in Sapele.
Sources said about 15 gunmen carried out the operation. The attackers reportedly arrived in a Range Rover SUV and two other vehicles, firing sporadically into the air and causing panic among residents and guests in the area.
The gunmen overpowered security at the premises and whisked the council chairman away to an unknown destination before fleeing.
Confirming his release, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Bright Edafe, said the council chairman had regained his freedom after spending 10 days in captivity.
Edafe said no arrests had been made in connection with the abduction, adding that police operatives were intensifying efforts to track down those responsible. He did not disclose the circumstances surrounding Abeke’s release, including whether any ransom was paid.
‘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 that they will be fished out from their hideout soon’, Edafe said.
The command assured residents that operations were ongoing to apprehend the suspects and strengthen security in Sapele and surrounding communities.
The abduction had triggered anxiety in Sapele and across Delta State, with residents expressing concern over rising incidents of kidnapping and violent crime in parts of the state.
The release of the council chairman is expected to bring relief to political associates, family members and residents of Sapele Local Council, many of whom had awaited positive news since the incident.
