Gunmen have killed the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Ishaq Yunusa, during an attack along a major highway in the state.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening along the Itobe–Ochadamu Expressway, around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area, when armed assailants reportedly emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire on motorists.
According to the Kogi State Police Command, the attackers struck at about 5pm. A blue Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 636 CH was later found abandoned along the highway.
The police said Yunusa, who was driving the vehicle, was found dead inside the car, while another occupant was reportedly abducted and taken into the surrounding bush.
The command's spokesperson, ASP Afusat Saliu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Lokoja on Friday.
Following the attack, the police, working alongside other security agencies, launched operations to comb the surrounding forest in an effort to locate and rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the attackers.
The remains of Yunusa were evacuated to Grimard Hospital in Anyigba for an autopsy, while investigators continued to pursue leads that could help identify those responsible for the attack.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, ordered sustained security operations along the affected corridor and directed personnel to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The latest attack comes amid renewed security concerns along parts of Kogi State, where armed groups have recently carried out attacks and abductions on major roads.
The police recently confirmed the abduction of several passengers, including National Youth Service Corps members, along another route in Ofu Local Government Area. Eleven victims were subsequently rescued during a joint security operation.
The latest incident has heightened concerns among motorists and residents who regularly use the Itobe–Ochadamu corridor.
The police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
Authorities have yet to disclose the identity of the group responsible for the killing or establish a possible motive for the attack.
The investigation and security operation remain ongoing as authorities work to rescue the abducted passenger and bring the attackers to justice.
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