The Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Alh. Yunusa Abu Ishaq has been killed by gunmen during a kidnapping incident on Thursday.
The late Ishaq was among passengers on a commercial vehicle intercepted by kidnappers along Itobe-Anyigba road.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command, in a statement in Lokoja on Friday, said, “We have received reports of an armed attack along the Itobe–Ochadamu Expressway, particularly around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area, on Thursday, 27 August 2026.
“The incident occurred at about 1700hrs when armed assailants emerged from the surrounding bush and opened sporadic fire at motorists. A blue Toyota Corolla, registration number GWA 636 CH, was subsequently found abandoned along the highway”.
According to the police, “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 Command, working with other security agencies, has intensified operations within the area, with personnel currently combing the surrounding forest in a determined effort to locate and rescue the abducted victim and track down those responsible.
“The deceased has been evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for autopsy, while the Command is pursuing all available leads in connection with the incident”
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, has directed sustained operational efforts towards securing the affected corridor and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Command therefore urges motorists and residents along the route to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the Police or other security agencies.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
In a related incident, the Kogi State Police Command said it is aware of the reported abduction incident along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
Police said, “At about 1640hrs, armed hoodlums emerged from the bush around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction, blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions and abducted some passengers, while others escaped into the surrounding bush.
“Upon receipt of the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer, Ofu, led a joint security team to the scene, where two abandoned vehicles—a Peace Mass Transit white Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus—were recovered.
“A coordinated bush-combing and rescue operation was immediately launched. The operation resulted in the successful rescue of 11 abducted victims, including the drivers of the two buses. Preliminary debriefing indicates that most of the rescued victims are NYSC members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja.
“The rescued victims have been debriefed and, after necessary procedures, were allowed to continue their journey.
“The joint security operation remains ongoing in the surrounding forest with the primary objectives of rescuing the remaining victims and apprehending.
