Hon. Ishaq Yinusa, Ofu, insecurity, KogThe Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of one Hon. Ishaq Yinusa, a prominent politician by bandits terrorising major highways in Ofu Local Government Area and abducting his fellow traveller. The incident happened in the evening on Thursday 27 August, about 24 hours after the police rescued some kidnapped persons in the area
The attackers reportedly emerged from the forest around Ojuwo Olijo at and opened sporadic gunfire at passing vehicles. A blue Toyota Corolla, with registration number GWA 636 CH, was later found abandoned at the scene, with the lifeless body of Yunusa inside.
Yunusa, a former lawmaker, was reportedly hit by gunfire and died at the scene, while another occupant of the vehicle was abducted and taken into the surrounding forest.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kogi State Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said the command had intensified efforts to rescue the remaining captive and apprehend the perpetrators.
She disclosed that the remains of the deceased had been evacuated to Grimard Hospital, Anyigba, for autopsy.
Following the attacks, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, ordered the deployment of additional tactical personnel to the affected corridors.
The police boss directed the combined security forces to sustain the forest operations until the remaining victims were rescued and those behind the attacks apprehended.
Security operatives are currently conducting intensive searches deep inside the forests around the affected routes as part of efforts to dismantle the criminal hideouts believed to be providing cover for the attackers.
The first incident occurred at about 4:40pm on Wednesday, August 26, along the Aloma–Egane Expressway, near Ogene Zaria, when gunmen reportedly blocked two commercial vehicles, including a Peace Mass Transit bus and abducted many of the travellers
However, the Police Command responded swiftly, mobilising a joint security team led by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ofu Division to commence an immediate bush-combing operation.
The operation paid off as security personnel rescued 11 victims, most of whom were National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja.
The latest attacks have renewed concerns over the security of motorists and commuters travelling through the Ofu axis, particularly as the criminals have continued to exploit forested stretches along the highways.
The Police Command, however, assured residents and motorists that security personnel were working to restore confidence along the routes.
