Gunmen Kill APC Chairman, Abduct Passenger Along Itobe–Ochadamu Highway

By Mohammed Alhaji Tauheed ✔

Gunmen Kill APC Chairman, Abduct Passenger Along Itobe–Ochadamu Highway

The APC chairman in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Hon. Ishaq Yunusa, has been killed by gunmen who also abducted another occupant of his vehicle in a fresh attack along the Itobe–Ochadamu Expressway.

The tragic incident occurred on Thursday at about 5 p.m. around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area of the state, sending fresh concerns over the security situation along the major highway.

According to the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, armed assailants emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire on motorists travelling along the route.

A blue Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 636 CH, believed to have been conveying Yunusa and another passenger, was later found abandoned along the highway.

Police authorities said Yunusa, who was identified as the driver, was found dead inside the vehicle, while the other occupant was reportedly dragged into the bush by the attackers.

Confirming the incident in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja on Friday, Saliu said security operatives had intensified efforts to locate the abducted victim and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

She disclosed that the deceased had been evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, where an autopsy would be conducted.

The police spokesperson added that the command was working with other security agencies and pursuing all available leads to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has directed sustained security operations along the affected corridor and ordered security personnel to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victim.

The police have also urged motorists and residents in the area to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security formation.

The command assured the public that further updates would be released as investigations and rescue operations progress.