Ofu PDP candidate condemns killing of Alhaji Yunusa, urges Igala leaders to fund patrols and clear road bushes to curb kidnapping
By Danjuma Amodu
The PDP House of Assembly Candidate for Ofu Constituency, Hon. Silas Akoji, has condemned the killing of Alhaji Yunusa by kidnappers along the Itobe-Ayangba road, describing it as “baric, inhuman, and a sad reminder of the growing insecurity in Kogi East.”
Hon. Silas Akoji, PDP candidate for Ofu Constituency, speaking on insecurity in Kogi East.
Alhaji Yunusa, until his death, served as the APC Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area. He was murdered on Thursday, August 27, 2026, in an attack that has reignited fears over the safety of commuters on the major Kogi East artery.
Akoji, in a statement issued on Friday, said the late party chieftain was “a respected leader, a community man, honest, respectful and a friend since 1998.” He called on the Kogi State Government and security agencies to investigate the killing and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Referencing details of the attack, Akoji demanded a discreet and comprehensive probe into both the murder and suspected abductions. He called on security agencies, in collaboration with community leaders and local vigilantes, to gather intelligence, apprehend those responsible, and secure the release of any captives with minimal risk to lives..
This was disclosed by his media aide, Abubakar Sadiq Yusuf, in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja.
Beyond the condolence, Akoji also issued an urgent security appeal to all Igala sons and daughters to unite and end the “wave of kidnapping and senseless killings” that he said has claimed innocent lives, traumatized families, and crippled economic activities in Kogi East.
He proposed two immediate actions: the establishment of a Kogi East Security Watch to carry out routine patrols and surveillance along the Itobe-Ayangba corridor, and the clearing of bushes and shrubs to a minimum width of 30 meters on both shoulders of the road to eliminate criminal hideouts.
Late Alhaji Yunusa, APC Chairman of Dekina LGA, Kogi State. He was killed by kidnappers along the Itobe-Ayangba road on August 27, 2026.
He urged leaders and stakeholders to pool resources and push for the immediate implementation of the measures, saying the blood of the people cries out for justice and protection.
“Enough is enough. As Igala sons and daughters, we have a collective responsibility to rise and put an end to this menace.”
Akoji prayed to Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss. He added that his thoughts are with the family of Alhaji Yunusa and the entire APC family in Dekina LGA.
