The family residence of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, was attacked by armed men on Tuesday night, marking the second such incident this year.
The attackers stormed the country home of the lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central, vandalising several windows before being repelled by a combined force of local police officers, community vigilantes, and youths. The swift security response led to the arrest of one suspect, while other gang members managed to escape.
The arrested individual, identified as Suberu Jose, a local resident described as a known ritualist, confessed to his involvement in the attack. According to the Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Media Office, Jose admitted “it was his third time targeting the property.” Security operatives recovered a cutlass and charms from the suspect, who was nearly lynched by an angry mob before being rescued and handed over to police.
“This recent arrest marked the first breakthrough in what appears to be a coordinated pattern of violence against the embattled female Senator,” the Media Office stated in a Wednesday release. The office noted that a previous attack on April 15 did not result in any arrests.
The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, confirmed the incident, stating: “It’s true that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s family house in Ihima was attacked yesterday (Tuesday). One person was arrested in connection with the incident and is giving useful information to the police.”
SP Aya assured that efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects who are currently at large and ensure they face prosecution.
The latest attack occurs against a backdrop of heightened political tensions surrounding the suspended senator. The Federal Government recently filed two criminal charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan, shortly after she publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. This allegation resulted in her controversial six-month suspension from the Senate.
In response to the renewed violence, the senator’s media office called for calm and justice. “We call on the public to remain calm and steadfast in the pursuit of justice. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s commitment to truth and her tireless representation of her constituents should not be met with violence or intimidation,” the statement declared.
The incident highlights ongoing security concerns for the suspended lawmaker and raises questions about the safety of political figures amid Nigeria’s charged political climate.
