Gunmen have killed the All Progressives Congress chairman in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Ishaq Yunusa, during an attack on the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway.
Another occupant of the vehicle was reportedly abducted during the incident, which occurred around 5pm on Thursday near Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
The assailants were said to have emerged from the bush and opened fire on motorists travelling along the busy highway.
Following the attack, a blue Toyota Corolla was found abandoned on the road, with Yunusa’s lifeless body discovered inside the vehicle.
The police said another occupant of the car was taken into the bush by the gunmen.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, said security operatives had launched a search operation to rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the attackers.
She said, “Security operatives are currently combing the surrounding forests in an effort to rescue the abducted victim and track down the perpetrators.”
The remains of Yunusa were subsequently evacuated to Grimard Hospital in Anyigba, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Kankarofi, ordered sustained security operations along the affected route and directed operatives to intensify efforts to identify and arrest those behind the attack.
The police command also advised motorists and residents using the Itobe-Ochadamu corridor to remain alert and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
The latest attack has further raised security concerns along highways in Kogi State, where travellers have in recent times faced threats from armed criminals.