The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Hon. Ishaq Yunusa, has been killed by gunmen who attacked his vehicle along a major highway in the state.
The assailants also abducted another person travelling in the vehicle during the attack, which occurred on Thursday evening along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway, near Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, confirmed the incident in a statement released in Lokoja on Friday.
Saliu said the attack took place at about 5pm after armed men reportedly emerged from the bush and opened fire on vehicles using the highway.
A blue Toyota Corolla bearing registration number GWA 636 CH was subsequently discovered abandoned at the scene.
According to the police, Yunusa was found dead inside the vehicle, while the other occupant was forced into the nearby bush by the attackers.
“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.
Security agencies have since commenced a search of the surrounding forests as efforts continue to locate the abducted passenger and track down the gunmen.
The police said they were collaborating with other security agencies and pursuing available intelligence to identify those behind the attack.
Yunusa’s remains were taken to Grimard Hospital in Anyigba, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted.
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, ordered security personnel to maintain pressure on the attackers and intensify patrols along the affected route.
He also directed the command to ensure that the perpetrators are identified and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the police have advised motorists and residents along the highway to exercise caution and immediately report suspicious activities or movements to security agencies.
The command said additional information would be released as the investigation and rescue operation continue.
