By Mardiyyah Abubakar
Gunmen have killed the All Progressives Congress chairman in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Ishaq Yunusa, and abducted another occupant of his vehicle.
The attack occurred on Thursday around 5pm along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway, near Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area.
The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday.
Saliu said the armed attackers emerged from a nearby bush and opened fire on motorists.
A blue Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 636 CH was later found abandoned along the highway.
The police spokesperson said Yunusa, who was driving the vehicle, was found dead inside, while the other occupant was taken into the bush by the assailants.
Police evacuated Yunusa’s remains to Grimard Hospital in Anyigba for autopsy.
Saliu said the police, working with other security agencies, had launched a search operation in the surrounding forest to rescue the abducted victim and arrest the attackers.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Kankarofi, ordered sustained security operations along the affected route and directed officers to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
The command urged motorists and residents along the corridor to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
The latest attack comes shortly after gunmen abducted National Youth Service Corps members in Kogi State. Police later announced the rescue of 11 victims.
