NEWS
Gunmen Kills APC Chairman in Kogi, Abduct Passenger Along Itobe-Ochadamu Highway
Gunmen have killed the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Ishaq Yunusa, in a deadly attack along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, August 27, 2026, has heightened concerns over the security situation along the highway, particularly around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area, where the attack took place.
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 the police, the attack occurred at about 5pm when armed assailants reportedly emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire on motorists travelling along the busy route.
In the course of the attack, a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 636 CH was 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.
Yunusa, who served as the APC chairman in Dekina LGA, was reportedly travelling in the vehicle when the gunmen launched the attack. His death has added to a growing list of security incidents involving travellers and residents in parts of Kogi State.
Following the attack, security operatives were immediately mobilised to the area as the police and other security agencies commenced efforts to track down the perpetrators and locate the abducted passenger.
Saliu said the command, working alongside other security agencies, had intensified operations in the affected area, with personnel combing the surrounding forests in an effort to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
She disclosed that the remains of Yunusa had been evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, where an autopsy would be conducted.
The police said investigators were also pursuing all available leads that could assist in identifying the attackers and establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, directed sustained security operations along the affected corridor and ordered security personnel to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The command also urged motorists and residents living around the Itobe-Ochadamu axis to remain vigilant, particularly when travelling through isolated portions of the highway.
Residents were further advised to promptly report suspicious movements, abandoned vehicles or other unusual activities to the police and other security agencies to assist ongoing efforts to prevent further attacks.
The latest incident comes amid renewed security concerns in Kogi State, where criminal elements have continued to target travellers and other vulnerable persons along some major routes.
The police said further updates on the investigation and efforts to rescue the abducted passenger would be provided as more information becomes available.