Gunmen have killed the All Progressives Congress Chairman in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Ishaq Yunusa, and abducted another person travelling in his vehicle.
The incident occurred on Thursday along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway, near Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to journalists in Lokoja on Friday.
According to Saliu, the attack happened at about 5pm when armed assailants emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire on motorists.
She said a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 636 CH was later found abandoned along the highway.
“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.
The police spokesperson said the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified operations in the area.
She added that security personnel were combing the surrounding forest to rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the assailants.
She added that the deceased had been evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for an autopsy, while the command continued to pursue all available leads regarding the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, directed sustained security operations along the affected corridor and ordered measures to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.
The command urged motorists and residents along the route to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements to the police or other security agencies.
It added that further updates would be provided as more information emerged.