Kogi APC chairman shot dead, passenger abducted

Gunmen have killed the All Progressives Congress chairman of Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Ishaq Yunusa, during an attack on motorists along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway.

Another occupant of Yunusa’s vehicle was abducted during the attack, which occurred at about 5pm on Thursday 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 in Lokoja on Friday.

According to Saliu, the assailants emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire on vehicles travelling along the highway.

A blue Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 636 CH was later found abandoned on the road. Yunusa was discovered dead inside the vehicle, while the other occupant had been taken into the bush.

Saliu said the police, working with other security agencies, had launched a search operation in the surrounding forest to rescue the abducted victim and track down the attackers.

She added that Yunusa’s remains had been taken to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for an autopsy, while investigators were pursuing leads that could identify those responsible.

The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, ordered sustained security operations along the affected route and directed officers to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.

The command urged motorists and residents in the area to remain alert and report suspicious movements promptly to the police or other security agencies.