APC chairman gunned down, co-occupant abducted in Kogi

Gunmen have shot dead the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Hon. Ishaq Yunusa and abducted an occupant of his car.

It was learnt that the incident occurred along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway, around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area of the state, on Thursday.

Confirming the incident in a Friday statement, Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Afusat Saliu said it occurred at about 5pm.

She said the armed assailants emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire on motorists.

The police image-maker said a blue Toyota Corolla, with registration number GWA 636 CH, was subsequently found abandoned along the highway.

Saliu said, “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 police spokesperson said the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified operations in the area, with personnel combing the surrounding forest to locate and rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the assailants.

She said the deceased had been evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for autopsy, while the command was pursuing all available leads in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, ordered sustained security operations along the affected corridor and ordered efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The command advised motorists and residents along the route to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the police or other security agencies.