Gunmen Kill APC Chairman Ishaq Yunusa, Abduct Passenger

Gunmen on Thursday killed Ishaq Yunusa, a divisional chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, and abducted another occupant during an attack along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area. The attack occurred at about 5 p.m. around Ojuwo Olijo when the gunmen emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire at motorists. Yunusa, who was driving a blue Toyota Corolla, was found dead inside the vehicle after the attackers fled the scene. Another person travelling in the vehicle was reportedly taken into the bush by the gunmen. The Kogi State Police Command said it had begun an investigation into the incident and deployed security operatives to search the surrounding forest for the abducted victim and the attackers. Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, said security personnel were combing the area to rescue the victim and track down those responsible for the attack. The police said Yunusa's remains were evacuated to Grimard Hospital in Anyigba for an autopsy as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding his death. Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, ordered sustained security operations along the affected route and directed the command to intensify efforts to arrest the attackers, according to the police. The command also advised motorists and residents using the Itobe-Ochadamu corridor to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies. The attack adds to security concerns along major routes in Kogi State, where motorists and travellers have previously faced incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks. Police authorities said operations would continue in the area until the abducted victim is rescued and those behind the attack are brought to justice.