Gunmen have killed Hon. Ishaq Yunusa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman for Dekina Local Government Area in Kogi State, and kidnapped another person who was travelling with him.
The attack happened on Thursday at around 5pm along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway, near Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area. Armed men came out of the surrounding bush and opened fire on vehicles along the route before fleeing into the forest.
Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to journalists in Lokoja on Friday. She said a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 636 CH was later found abandoned along the highway.
Vanguard reported that the body of the slain chairman was taken to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for autopsy, according to Saliu.
The police spokesperson added that the command was actively pursuing all available leads to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack. Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, ordered sustained security operations along the affected road corridor and directed officers to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The command said it was working alongside other security agencies, with personnel combing the surrounding forest in search of the abducted victim.
The Kogi State Police Command urged people living and travelling along the route to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police or other relevant security agencies immediately.
The command said further updates would be shared as more information becomes available.
