Gunmen have killed the All Progressives Congress Chairman in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Ishaq Yunusa, and abducted another occupant of his vehicle.

The incident occurred on Thursday along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway, around 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 made available to journalists in Lokoja on Friday.

Saliu said the attack occurred at about 5pm when armed assailants emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire on motorists.

According to her, 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 along the affected corridor, with personnel combing the surrounding forest in an effort to locate and rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the attackers.

She added that Yunusa’s remains had been evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for autopsy, while the command continued to pursue all available leads concerning the incident.

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, directed security personnel to sustain operations along the route and ensure that those responsible for the attack were brought to justice.

The police urged motorists and residents in the area to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or other security agencies.

The command assured the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

The incident comes shortly after gunmen abducted National Youth Service Corps members in Kogi State, with the police subsequently announcing the rescue of 11 victims.