Gunmen attack Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s family home
By Jeffrey Agbo
The family residence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, came under attack in the early hours of Tuesday as unknown gunmen stormed the property.
It was gathered that the assailants, armed with cutlasses and guns, arrived around 1:00 a.m. and caused significant damage to the building. They reportedly smashed windows and damaged other parts of the property, creating panic in the neighbourhood. At least three men were believed to be involved in the attack.
Following the incident, the senator’s Chief Security Officer, Yakubu Ovanja, contacted security agencies. Officers from the Okehi Police Division quickly responded and arrived at the scene.
No injuries were reported, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear. Police have since launched a preliminary investigation, though no arrests have been made so far.
A statement on Thursday by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media unit read, “We condemn the brazen attack on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s family house in Obeiba-Ihima, Kogi State, on Tuesday, April 15. Armed men, mistakenly believing the Senator was present, vandalized windows in her grandfather’s house. Fortunately, security operatives swiftly responded and repelled the attackers.
“This calculated assault appears to be a direct response to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s courageous stance against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment. We urge the Inspector General of Police to immediately reinstate her security details.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan shared her account of the incident: “Two days ago, my younger brother took some contractors to my hometown in Ihima to inspect locations for upcoming projects I attracted to my senatorial district. The unknown gunmen assumed I was the one in town and attacked my family house that night. Thankfully, the civil defence team and community members responded promptly and chased them off. A report was made at the police area command, and no one was hurt.”
“We call on the public to remain calm and support the pursuit of justice for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her dedication to speaking truth and representing her constituents should not be met with violence and intimidation.”
The incident comes amid heightened media attention following her recent sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
