Gunmen have killed a former divisional chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Alhaji Yunusa Ishaq Onuh, during an attack along the Itobe–Ochadamu Expressway.
According to The Guardian Nigeria, the attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area.
The Kogi State Police Command said armed assailants emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire on motorists travelling along the route.
APC Chieftain Found Dead in Vehicle
Following the attack, police discovered a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 636 CH abandoned along the highway.
Onuh, identified in the police statement as Hon. Ishaq Yunusa, was found dead inside the vehicle, while another occupant was reportedly forced into the bush by the attackers.
His remains were evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for an autopsy.
The police said personnel were working with other security agencies to search the surrounding forest, rescue the abducted occupant and apprehend those responsible.
Conflicting Versions of Name and Position
The Guardian identified the deceased as Alhaji Yunusa Abu Ishaq, while the police referred to him as Hon. Ishaq Yunusa.
However, the Kogi State Government identified him as Alhaji Yunusa Ishaq Onuh and described him as the former APC Dekina Local Government Divisional Chairman.
Onuh was buried at his residence in Anyigba on Friday in accordance with Islamic rites.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described his death as a painful loss to his family, the APC and the people of Dekina, promising stronger action against criminals operating along the Itobe–Anyigba corridor.
Eleven Rescued in Separate Highway Attack
In a separate incident, gunmen abducted passengers travelling along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area on Wednesday, August 26.
The attackers reportedly emerged from the bush near the Ogene Zaria–Onicha-Igo Junction and blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions.
Police officers recovered a white Peace Mass Transit Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus abandoned at the scene.
A joint security team subsequently launched a bush-combing operation and rescued 11 victims, including the drivers of the two buses.
Preliminary information obtained by the police indicated that most of those rescued were National Youth Service Corps members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja.
Search for Remaining Victims Continues
The rescued passengers were debriefed and permitted to continue their journey after completing the required procedures.
The police did not disclose the total number of passengers initially abducted or the number believed to remain in captivity.
Security operatives were still searching the surrounding forests for the remaining victims and the perpetrators at the time of the report.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, directed sustained operations along the affected corridors and urged motorists to report suspicious activities promptly.
No arrest had been announced in connection with either attack.
READ MORE:
Gunmen Abduct Newly Called Lawyers Along Okene–Auchi Road
Citizens Liberties Committee Condemns Kidnap of Lawyers
Police Rescue Benue Passengers From Kidnappers
DSS Arrests Three Suspected Kidnappers in Nasarawa
