Suspected bandits have killed the All Progressives Congress Chairman in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Ishaq Yunusa.
The assailants also abducted another occupant of his car.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on Thursday along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway, around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja on Friday.
Saliu said the attack occurred at about 5pm when the gunmen emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire on motorists.
She said a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 636 CH was later found 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.
Police said the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified operations in the area, with personnel combing the surrounding forest to locate and rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the assailants.
She added that the deceased had been evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for autopsy, while the command was pursuing all available leads in connection with the incident.
Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, directed sustained security operations along the affected corridor and ordered efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The command urged motorists and residents along the route to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the police or other security agencies.
It said further updates would be provided as more information became available.
