Gunmen have killed the All Progressives Congress, APC, chairman in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Hon. Ishaq Yunusa, while taking another occupant of his vehicle during an attack along a major highway.
The incident occurred along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway, around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area of the state, with the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, confirming the incident in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja on Friday.
According to the police, the attack occurred at about 5pm when 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, was later found abandoned on the highway.
Police said the driver of the vehicle was identified as Ishaq Yunusa, who was found dead inside the car. Another occupant was reportedly taken into the surrounding bush by the attackers.
The police spokesperson said security personnel had launched operations to locate and rescue the missing occupant while also working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
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She said the deceased was evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for an autopsy. The police command is also pursuing available leads as investigations continue.
The Kogi State Police Command said it was working with other security agencies to intensify operations around the affected area.
Personnel have been deployed to comb the surrounding forests in an effort to locate the missing occupant and track down the attackers.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, directed security agencies to sustain operations along the affected corridor. He also ordered efforts to ensure that those responsible for the attack are identified and brought to justice.
The police command urged motorists and residents living along the route to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies. The command said additional information would be released as the investigation progresses.
The attack adds to security concerns along major highways in Kogi State, where travelers have faced reported incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks in recent weeks.
Vanguard
