Okpe Union PG Condemns Abduction Of Bright Abeke, Demands Creation Of Three New Police Divisions In Sapele

By Daniel Dafe & Esosuakpor Divine

The President General of Okpe Union Worldwide, Okakuro (Hon.) Godwin Omamurhieme Atose JP, has condemned the abduction of the Sapele Local Government Chairman, Hon. Bright Abeke, describing the incident as a disturbing indication of worsening insecurity in the country.

Reacting to the development in a phone conversation with Oasis Magazine, Atose said the swift kidnapping of a sitting council chairman raises grave concerns about public safety.

He noted that if the chief security officer of a local government can be abducted so easily, it signals a serious breakdown in the nation’s security system.

He called on relevant authorities to urgently reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture, with particular attention to Delta State and Sapele.

According to him, the current policing structure in the area is outdated and inadequate for the town’s growing population.

Hon. Atose pointed out that Sapele still operates with a single police division, which also served neighbouring communities such as Jesse, Mosogar and Oghara in the 70s.

He observed that despite the creation of Ethiope West Local Government Area and the establishment of separate police divisions in Oghara, Mosogar and Jesse, Sapele has remained with just one division.

He further noted that Sapele has expanded significantly over the years, stretching beyond traditional boundaries such as Shell Road towards Oton and Ghana stretching towards Oton and Abigborodo.

The former council boss in Sapele, questioned how a single police division could effectively police such a vast and rapidly growing town.

“The answer is no,” he said, stressing that Sapele requires at least three additional police divisions to ensure effective policing and improved security.

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The Okpe Union President also advocated for the establishment of a military base in the area to complement the efforts of the police and other security agencies.

Speaking on the broader implications of the abduction, the Okpe leader warned that rising insecurity, particularly kidnapping, could discourage potential investors and indigenes in the diaspora from returning home.

“We are managing in this town with no real industry to engage the teeming youths. When kidnapping becomes rampant, investors will be discouraged, and even our people abroad will think twice before coming home to invest,” he said.

He appealed to the abductors to release the council chairman unhurt and without ransom, noting that anything contrary would send a negative signal about the town.

The PG dismissed any ethnic motive behind the incident, describing kidnapping as part of the wider insecurity affecting Delta State, the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

“This is not about ethnicity. It is part of the general insecurity ravaging the country. Unfortunately, he became a target,” he added.

He asked: “What has Bright done that he would be the target if there was an ethnic coloration to this incidence?, saying: “I think he would not have been kidnapped if there was an ethnic undertone, it should have been assassination.”

He expressed hope for the safe and swift release of the abducted chairman.