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.

According to Saliu, the attack occurred at about 5pm when armed assailants emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire on motorists along the highway.

She said a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 636 CH was subsequently found abandoned on the road.

“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.

Saliu said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified operations in the area, with personnel combing the surrounding forests in an effort to rescue the abducted victim and arrest the attackers.

She added that Yunusa’s remains had been evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for autopsy, while the command was pursuing all available leads to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, directed sustained security operations along the affected corridor and ordered the command to ensure that those responsible for the killing were brought to justice.

The police urged motorists and residents along the route to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.

The command said further updates would be provided as more information emerged.

The incident comes amid renewed security concerns in Kogi State.