Gunmen Kill Dekina APC Chairman in Kogi

Gunmen have killed the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman for Dekina Local Government Area, Hon. Ishaq Yunusa, along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway in Kogi State. The assailants also abducted a passenger traveling in his car during the fatal Kogi highway ambush on Thursday evening.

The incident has caused deep shock among party members and local residents as security agencies scramble to track down the attackers.

Details of the Itobe-Ochadamu Attack

According to a statement released by the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, and reported by Punch Newspapers, armed bandits emerged from the surrounding bushes around 5:00 PM and opened fire indiscriminately on motorists.

As detailed by Daily Post Nigeria, key details confirmed by security forces following the Kogi highway ambush include:

• Targeted Vehicle: Officers discovered Yunusa’s blue Toyota Corolla (registration number GWA 636 CH) abandoned along the highway.
• Fatal Attack: Hon. Ishaq Yunusa was found dead inside the vehicle from gunshot wounds.
• Kidnapping: An unidentified passenger inside the vehicle was forcibly dragged into the surrounding forest by the gunmen.
• Hospital Transfer: The chairman’s body has been evacuated to Grimard Hospital in Anyigba for an official autopsy.

Growing Insecurity on Major Highway Corridors

This violent Kogi highway ambush occurred just days after gunmen intercepted passenger buses and abducted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the same road network, as reported by Leadership News.

The repeat attacks along the corridor have raised major concerns among travelers, transport unions, and community leaders regarding commuter safety on interstate highways.

Tactical Operations Ordered by Police Command

In response to the killings and abductions, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, ordered immediate tactical deployments across Ofu and Dekina LGAs.

As reported by The Guardian Nigeria, joint security teams are actively combing nearby forests to rescue the kidnapped passenger and apprehend the bandits responsible for the Kogi highway ambush. The police command has also urged motorists and community members along the route to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements immediately.