Gunmen have attacked motorists along the Itobe–Ochadamu Expressway in Kogi State, killing one person and abducting another.
The attack occurred on Thursday, August 27, at about 5:00 p.m. around Ojuwo Olijo in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Kogi State Police Command, the attackers emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire on motorists travelling along the busy highway.
Following the attack, security personnel discovered a blue Toyota Corolla abandoned on the road, with the body of a man inside.
The deceased was identified by the police as Hon. Ishaq Yunusa, who was reportedly the driver of the vehicle.
Another occupant of the car was reportedly dragged into the bush and abducted by the gunmen.
Security Forces Launch Rescue Operation
The police said a joint security operation has been launched to rescue the abducted victim and track down the attackers.
Personnel from the police and other security agencies are currently combing surrounding forests and conducting operations along the affected corridor.
The body of the deceased was evacuated to Grimard Hospital in Anyigba, where it is expected to undergo an autopsy.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Kankarofi, has ordered sustained security operations in the area and directed officers to ensure that those behind the attack are brought to justice.
The police also appealed to motorists and residents living along the route to remain alert and report suspicious activities or movements to security agencies.
In a statement, the command said:
“The incident occurred at about 1700hrs when armed assailants emerged from the surrounding bush and opened sporadic fire at motorists. A blue Toyota Corolla was subsequently found abandoned along the highway.”
The statement added that the driver, identified as Hon. Ishaq Yunusa, was found dead inside the vehicle, while another occupant was taken into the bush by the attackers.
“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 statement said.
The police said they were also pursuing all available leads in connection with the attack and would provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
