In the early hours of Tuesday, April 16th, the family residence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was attacked by unidentified gunmen in Obeiba-Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area. According to reports, at least three armed individuals stormed the premises around 1 a.m., wielding firearms and cutlasses. The assailants vandalized the property, shattering windows and causing significant damage.

Yakubu Ovanja, the senator’s chief security officer, reported the incident to security authorities, prompting a swift response from Okehi security operatives. Upon receiving a distress call, law enforcement arrived at the scene to assess the situation. While no arrests have been made thus far, the incident has been documented, and a preliminary investigation is underway.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed the attack to TheCable, suggesting that the assailants may have believed she was present at the residence, leading to the assault. Fortunately, no one was injured during the attack, as officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps successfully repelled the gunmen. She stated, “Two days ago, my younger brother took some contractors to my hometown in Ihima. They inspected locations of the next series of projects I attracted to my senatorial district. The unknown gunmen assumed I was the one in town and that night, attacked my family house. They were chased off by the civil defence team and community members who trouped out en mass. A report was made at the police area command. Nobody was hurt.”

Adding to the complexities surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan's political landscape, she was previously suspended following an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding seating arrangements. Neda Imaseun, chair of the senate committee on public conduct, ethics, privileges, and public petitions, cited violations of senate rules as the reason for her suspension.

Zagazola Makama reported that police sources indicated the motive for the attack remains unclear as investigations are ongoing. At the time of reporting, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not released an official statement regarding the incident.