Tension brewing in Delta over abduction of community youth chairman by unknown gunmen

By Akpos Oghenetega,

Palpable tension is currently brewing in Otonyasere Community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, following the abduction of the community youth chairman, Mr Obakpor Tekpesan by unknown gunmen.

The abduction of Obakpor, a 43-year-old man who was seized along Otonyasere – Abigborodo road in Sapele, on Sunday night at about 9 pm has thrown the community that has been having a running battle with Abigborodo people over a disputed land into confusion.

Multiple sources told Advocate.ng that Obakpor was allegedly shot in the leg by his abductors before he was thrown into their vehicle and zoomed off.

The incident which happened yesterday Sunday had caused serious tension within the community as there was conflicting account whether he was set up for arrest or taken into custody by ransom demanding kidnappers.

When contacted for comments, the Delta State Police Spokesman, Edafe Bright said, “I am not aware if there is any case of abduction or so.”

The Divisional Police Officer of Sapele Police Station, CSP Harrison Nwabuisi said, “my brother please talk to the Police PRO”

President of Otonyasere Community, Deacon Arieja Austin, however, confirmed the abduction of the victim in a telephone chat and said, “Yes it is true, he was taken away yesterday from the community but we don’t know if to call it abduction, kidnapping or arrest.

“As we speak to you, we are still reaching out to security agencies and none of them has admitted to arresting him and we will continue to do so until we find him.

When ask if he suspects anyone being behind Obakpor’s abduction, he said, “I am not pointing accusing fingers at anybody. Our Community, we are not pointing accusing fingers at anybody at this time. If you say that some persons are pointing accusing fingers, I am not aware of that.”

Recall that leaders and youths of Otonyasere and Abigborodo communities in Sapele and Warri North local government areas, Delta State, have been at dagger drawn, with community leaders, including former local government chairman and serving councillor, exchanged blows in an orgy of violence that rocked both communities, last week over land issue.