Suspected armed attackers stormed the family residence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Obeiba-Ihima, Kogi State, in what appears to be a politically driven assault.According to reports gathered by SaharaReporters, the attack occurred on Tuesday night, with the assailants allegedly under the impression that the Senator was present. They vandalised windows in the late grandfather’s home before being repelled by the swift intervention of civil defence operatives and local residents.
The Senator’s media team condemned the incident as a “deliberate and calculated act of violence,” suggesting it may be linked to her recent public allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual misconduct.“The attackers believed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was inside the house and began damaging property. Thankfully, security forces and community members responded quickly, preventing any harm,” the statement read.
They also appealed to the Inspector General of Police to immediately reinstate her security detail to safeguard her life amid the escalating threats.Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, in her personal statement to SaharaReporters, revealed that her younger brother had taken contractors to the community earlier that day to assess locations for projects she had attracted to the district. This, she said, may have led the assailants to wrongly assume she was in town.
“The gunmen struck that night, thinking I was home. Fortunately, the civil defence team and villagers responded immediately, and no one was hurt,” she explained. “We’ve filed a report with the police, and I urge everyone to remain calm and support our pursuit of justice.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, is known for her bold advocacy on transparency, women’s rights, and accountability in governance. Her recent suspension from the Senate for six months and ongoing political friction with Akpabio have heightened tensions.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing a criminal defamation petition filed by Senate President Akpabio, who has requested her prosecution following her claims that he ordered former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to orchestrate her assassination.
Akpabio has denied the allegations, describing them as “dangerous lies” aimed at inciting unrest and damaging his image. His petition, also addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation, calls for a full investigation and prosecution, citing the widespread impact of the accusation in the media. This unfolding political standoff continues to draw national attention, raising broader concerns over the safety of outspoken public officials.
Source : https://saharareporters.com/
