LOKOJA - In a concerning turn of events, the family house of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, was reportedly attacked by gunmen in Obeiba-Ihima, Ihima Local Government Area of Kogi State. The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 15, with reports indicating that windows in her grandfather’s house were vandalized. Prompt intervention by security operatives and community members is said to have prevented further damage.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed the attack, stating that it occurred after her younger brother brought contractors to inspect sites for upcoming projects in her senatorial district. The senator believes the attackers assumed she was present in town. She expressed gratitude for the swift response of the Civil Defence team and community members, which led to the attackers being repelled. A formal report has been filed at the police area command.

The Kogi State Police Command has acknowledged the incident, with Police Commissioner Miller Dantawaye confirming that the Okehi Local Government Area Divisional Police Officer has briefed the command. An investigation has been launched to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. "We will deal with those criminal elements that carried out the attack," the Police chief stated.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who recently faced a six-month suspension and a recall attempt, condemned the attack and appealed to the Inspector General of Police for the urgent reinstatement of her security detail.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has also condemned the attack, calling for a thorough forensic investigation and the arrest of those responsible. HURIWA's National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, emphasized the need to safeguard Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's life and urged her political rivals to follow due process rather than resorting to violence.

Adding another layer to the unfolding situation, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has formally reported Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Usman Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in connection with the attack. In a statement posted on her official Instagram page, she declared that these individuals should be held responsible should any harm befall her.

This declaration follows previous statements where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan urged Nigerians to hold Akpabio, Bello, and Ododo accountable if she were to experience any violence. Meanwhile, former Governor Yahaya Bello has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over alleged defamatory statements made against him by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The attack on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's family house and the subsequent allegations and counter-allegations have created a tense political climate in Kogi State. The investigation by the Kogi State Police Command is ongoing, and the public awaits further developments in this case.