Sapele Residents Commend ACP Victor Bassey Over Swift Arrest of Suspected Kidnapper

By Endurance Ikanone

Residents of Sapele, Delta State, have commended the Area Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Victor Bassey, for his proactive approach to policing and swift response to the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in the town.

The commendations followed the arrest of a 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Lucky Ughagha, who was accused of abducting the minor, demanding and collecting ₦503,000 in ransom from her father, and allegedly sexually assaulting her.

Bassey was particularly praised for personally leading the police team that tracked down and arrested the suspect at his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele on October 23, 2026, following intelligence-led efforts.

The development has attracted attention from members of the community, who described the operation as a demonstration of the importance of prompt police response, effective intelligence gathering and hands-on leadership in tackling criminal activities.

According to a press release issued on Sunday by the Delta State Police Command, the incident was reported to the Sapele Area Command on October 20 by the victim’s father, who alleged that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.

The suspect allegedly demanded ₦503,000 as ransom and threatened to kill the minor if the money was not paid. Following the payment, the victim was reportedly abandoned along Oton Road, Sapele, where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications of sexual assault.

The police said the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment, while investigations commenced immediately. The school principal and vice principal were also invited for questioning as part of the investigative process.

The suspect, who had reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled after the incident, was eventually apprehended after police operatives acted on credible intelligence to locate his hideout.

Speaking to newsmen, Dr Emmanuel Jude commended Bassey for his direct involvement in the operation that led to the suspect’s arrest, describing his leadership as reassuring to members of the public who expect security agencies to respond decisively to threats.

“ACP Victor Bassey has demonstrated that he takes the security of Sapele residents seriously. The fact that he personally led the team that arrested the suspect speaks volumes about his commitment to duty. We need officers who are ready to take responsibility, act promptly and ensure that people who commit crimes are brought before the law,” Dr Jude said.

Similarly, Sir Andrew Eweta described the Area Commander as a calm, calculating and intelligent officer whose approach to security matters reflects careful planning and professional judgment.

“What we appreciate about ACP Bassey is his calmness and the way he handles security issues. He does not need to make noise about his work before people can recognise his efforts. This particular incident required a serious response, and we are pleased that the suspect was tracked down and arrested. We hope he will sustain this approach and continue to make Sapele safer for everyone,” Eweta said.

The two residents also called for sustained efforts to protect children, particularly those who depend on school transport arrangements and other adults entrusted with their safety.

They stressed that parents, school authorities and transport operators must take their responsibilities seriously by strengthening supervision, verifying the identities of people employed to transport children and promptly reporting suspicious activities to the police.

Beyond the latest operation, Bassey has engaged with community organisations as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the police and residents.

In January 2026, newsmen reported that the executive of the Urhakpa Landlords and Tenants Association visited the Area Commander to discuss issues relating to security and cooperation with the police. Such engagements can help build relationships that encourage residents to share credible intelligence and work with law enforcement agencies to prevent crime.

For Sapele, a commercial town where residents depend on a secure environment for their businesses, education and everyday activities, effective policing remains a major public concern.

The latest arrest has therefore renewed attention on the need for intelligence-led operations, responsive police leadership and closer cooperation between security agencies and the public.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, psc, mnips, condemned the alleged incident and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children from violence and exploitation. He also assured the public that investigations would be thorough and that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

the Sapele Residents Commend ACP Victor Bassey Over Swift Arrest of Suspected Kidnapper

By Endurance Ikanone

Residents of Sapele, Delta State, have commended the Area Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Victor Bassey, for his proactive approach to policing and swift response to the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in the town.

The commendations followed the arrest of a 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Lucky Ughagha, who was accused of abducting the minor, demanding and collecting ₦503,000 in ransom from her father, and allegedly sexually assaulting her.

Bassey was particularly praised for personally leading the police team that tracked down and arrested the suspect at his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele on October 23, 2026, following intelligence-led efforts.

The development has attracted attention from members of the community, who described the operation as a demonstration of the importance of prompt police response, effective intelligence gathering and hands-on leadership in tackling criminal activities.

According to a press release issued on Sunday by the Delta State Police Command, the incident was reported to the Sapele Area Command on October 20 by the victim’s father, who alleged that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.

The suspect allegedly demanded ₦503,000 as ransom and threatened to kill the minor if the money was not paid. Following the payment, the victim was reportedly abandoned along Oton Road, Sapele, where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications of sexual assault.

The police said the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment, while investigations commenced immediately. The school principal and vice principal were also invited for questioning as part of the investigative process.

The suspect, who had reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled after the incident, was eventually apprehended after police operatives acted on credible intelligence to locate his hideout.

Speaking to newsmen, Dr Emmanuel Jude commended Bassey for his direct involvement in the operation that led to the suspect’s arrest, describing his leadership as reassuring to members of the public who expect security agencies to respond decisively to threats.

“ACP Victor Bassey has demonstrated that he takes the security of Sapele residents seriously. The fact that he personally led the team that arrested the suspect speaks volumes about his commitment to duty. We need officers who are ready to take responsibility, act promptly and ensure that people who commit crimes are brought before the law,” Dr Jude said.

Similarly, Sir Andrew Eweta described the Area Commander as a calm, calculating and intelligent officer whose approach to security matters reflects careful planning and professional judgment.

“What we appreciate about ACP Bassey is his calmness and the way he handles security issues. He does not need to make noise about his work before people can recognise his efforts. This particular incident required a serious response, and we are pleased that the suspect was tracked down and arrested. We hope he will sustain this approach and continue to make Sapele safer for everyone,” Eweta said.

The two residents also called for sustained efforts to protect children, particularly those who depend on school transport arrangements and other adults entrusted with their safety.

They stressed that parents, school authorities and transport operators must take their responsibilities seriously by strengthening supervision, verifying the identities of people employed to transport children and promptly reporting suspicious activities to the police.

Beyond the latest operation, Bassey has engaged with community organisations as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the police and residents.

In January 2026, newsmen reported that the executive of the Urhakpa Landlords and Tenants Association visited the Area Commander to discuss issues relating to security and cooperation with the police. Such engagements can help build relationships that encourage residents to share credible intelligence and work with law enforcement agencies to prevent crime.

For Sapele, a commercial town where residents depend on a secure environment for their businesses, education and everyday activities, effective policing remains a major public concern.

The latest arrest has therefore renewed attention on the need for intelligence-led operations, responsive police leadership and closer cooperation between security agencies and the public.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, psc, mnips, condemned the alleged incident and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children from violence and exploitation. He also assured the public that investigations would be thorough and that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

Although the suspect’s arrest represents an important development in the investigation, the allegations remain subject to the judicial process, and the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

As investigations continue, the commendations for ACP Bassey reflect the community’s expectation that the police will maintain vigilance, professionalism and responsiveness in addressing other security challenges facing Sapele and its surrounding communities. arrest represents an important development in the investigation, the allegations remain subject to the judicial process, and the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

As investigations continue, the commendations for ACP Bassey reflect the community’s expectation that the police will maintain vigilance, professionalism and responsiveness in addressing other security challenges facing Sapele and its surrounding communities.