Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman of Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Alhaji Yunusa Onu, during an attack along the Itobe–Ochadamu Expressway.
The incident occurred at about 5pm on Thursday, August 27, 2026, around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area, as Onu was reportedly returning from Lokoja, the state capital.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the attackers emerged from the surrounding bush and blocked the highway, forcing motorists to stop.
Onu reportedly attempted to escape by running into the bush but was shot by the gunmen. His remains were subsequently recovered and taken to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for autopsy.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the highway attack, saying armed assailants targeted motorists along the route.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 636 CH was found abandoned at the scene.
She said the driver, identified as Hon. Ishaq Yunusa, was found dead in the vehicle, while another occupant was abducted and taken into the surrounding bush.
The police spokesperson said a joint operation involving the police and other security agencies had commenced to search the forests, rescue the abducted victim and arrest those responsible for the attack.
Afusat added that the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, had directed sustained security operations along the affected corridor to protect motorists and bring the perpetrators to justice.
