Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Sapele, Delta State – There was jubilation in the ancient timber town of Sapele on Monday evening as the abducted Chairman of the Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Bright Abeke, regained his freedom after spending 10 harrowing days in the den of his captors. Abeke was kidnapped on April 11, 2026, by heavily armed gunmen who stormed the Debrofred Hotel along Owumi Road in Sapele, where he was lodging. His release, which was confirmed by the Delta State Police Command on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, brought an outpouring of relief and celebration from his family, political associates, and the entire Sapele community.
The abduction, which occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on the fateful Friday, was a brazen operation that sent shockwaves through the local government area. According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, the assailants arrived at the hotel in a Range Rover SUV and two other vehicles. Numbering about 15, the gunmen fired sporadically into the air to disperse people and cause panic before overpowering security personnel at the premises. During the attack, the council chairman's chief security officer, Ufuoma Asagba, who is also a vigilante commander, was shot. He was subsequently rushed to a private hospital in the area for treatment. After the initial exchange, the kidnappers forcefully whisked Abeke away to an unknown destination, leaving the community in a state of acute anxiety and prompting an intensified search and rescue response.
For ten days, there was an ominous silence regarding his whereabouts, with no immediate communication from the abductors. The police responded swiftly, with the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, personally visiting the scene of the attack the following day, accompanied by heads of tactical units. They deployed technical and intelligence anti-kidnapping units to Sapele and sealed off entry and exit points in a bid to track down the perpetrators. The Police Public Relations Officer for the command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed on Tuesday that the chairman had regained his freedom, although he did not disclose the specific circumstances surrounding the release, including whether any ransom was paid. However, he noted that the police had deployed technical and intelligence anti-kidnapping units to the area and were already gathering useful information about the abductors.
The release of Chief Bright Abeke has been met with widespread commendation. The Gabriel Sunano Foundation, in a statement, celebrated his safe return and lauded the coordinated efforts of security agencies, government officials, and concerned Nigerians whose actions contributed to the successful outcome. The Foundation gave special recognition to the Nigeria Police Force for their professionalism and commitment throughout the rescue operation. It also praised the Delta State Government, particularly Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for prioritizing the chairman’s safety and ensuring swift action during the crisis. Additionally, community leaders, youth groups, and advocacy voices were acknowledged for sustaining public attention and pressure, which the Foundation noted played a significant role in the eventual release.
The abduction of the council chairman highlighted the persistent threat of kidnapping for ransom in Delta State and across Nigeria. According to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2022), kidnapping is outlawed, with the law prescribing life imprisonment for the act and even the death penalty if the abduction leads to a loss of life. The same law also stipulates a minimum 15-year jail term for anyone convicted of paying a ransom to free a kidnap victim. While the police have stated that no arrests have been made yet in connection with Abeke’s abduction, they remain optimistic that the suspects will be apprehended. The command has assured residents that operations are ongoing to strengthen security in Sapele and surrounding communities, and to ensure that the perpetrators face the full wrath of the law.
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