Kogi APC Chairman Killed in Highway Ambush

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Ishaq Yunusa, has been killed by gunmen.

The attackers also abducted another occupant of his vehicle during the incident. According to Daily Post, the attack happened on Thursday along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area.

The incident occurred around 5pm near Ojuwo Olijo. The gunmen reportedly emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire on motorists travelling along the highway. Yunusa was travelling in a blue Toyota Corolla when the attackers struck. The vehicle was later found abandoned along the road.

Police said Yunusa was found dead inside the vehicle. Another person who was travelling with him was reportedly taken into the bush by the attackers.

The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident on Friday. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, said security operatives had launched an operation to rescue the abducted victim.

She said officers from the command were working with other security agencies to search the surrounding forest. The operation also aims to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.

Meanwhile, police evacuated Yunusa’s remains to Grimard Hospital in Anyigba. The body was taken there for an autopsy as investigators continued their work.

The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, ordered sustained security operations along the affected highway.

He also directed security personnel to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victim. The police have not disclosed the identity of the person taken by the gunmen. They also have not announced any arrest in connection with the attack.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over security along highways in Kogi State. The Itobe-Ochadamu corridor has witnessed security challenges involving attacks and abductions in recent days.

Police had earlier carried out rescue operations in parts of Ofu Local Government Area following reports of passenger abductions.

In one of the recent operations, security personnel rescued 11 people who had been abducted along another route in the area. Most of the rescued victims were reportedly National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja.

The fresh attack has therefore added to concerns among motorists and residents who use the affected routes. The police have urged people travelling along the highway to remain vigilant.

The command also asked residents to report suspicious movements to security agencies. Further details are expected as the investigation continues.