Gunmen Kill Kogi APC LGA Chairman, Abduct Passenger On Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway

Gunmen have killed the All Progressives Congress Chairman for Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Ishaq Yunusa, and abducted another occupant of his vehicle.

The incident occurred on Thursday along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway, around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area.

The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to journalists in Lokoja on Friday.

Saliu said the attack occurred at about 5pm when armed assailants emerged from the bush and opened fire on motorists.

She said a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 636 CH was later found abandoned along the highway.

“The driver, identified as Hon. Ishaq Yunusa, was found dead in the vehicle, while another occupant was taken into the bush by the assailants,” the statement said.

The police spokesperson said the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified operations in the area. Personnel are combing the surrounding forest to locate and rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the assailants.

She added that the deceased has been evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for autopsy, while the command is pursuing all available leads.

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has directed sustained security operations along the affected corridor and ordered efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The command urged motorists and residents along the route to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious movements to the police or other security agencies.

It said further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.

PUNCH Online had reported that gunmen recently abducted National Youth Service Corps members in Kogi State, with the police later announcing the rescue of 11 victims.