By Deborah Nnamdi
The country home of Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, was attacked again on Tuesday night by suspected gunmen—marking the second such incident in less than two months.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants stormed the property, smashing windows and attempting further destruction before they were repelled by a prompt response from local police, community vigilantes, and youths.
One suspect, identified as Suberu Jose, a resident of the area, was apprehended during the assault. He is alleged to be a ritualist with ties to political adversaries of the senator. Security sources revealed that Jose confessed to involvement in three previous attacks on the senator’s residence.
A mob reportedly attempted to lynch the suspect before he was rescued and taken into custody by law enforcement. Recovered from the scene were a cutlass and charms believed to belong to Jose. The other attackers, described as armed and dangerous, fled the scene and remain at large.
This latest incident follows a similar attack on April 15, 2025, which caused damage to the property but resulted in no arrests. Authorities consider Tuesday’s arrest a significant breakthrough in what appears to be an ongoing campaign of political intimidation targeting the senator and her family.
The renewed violence comes amid growing political tensions surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently facing two criminal charges filed by the Federal Government. These charges followed her public accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which led to her controversial six-month suspension from the Senate.
In a statement issued by her media team, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan strongly condemned the attack and urged the public to remain peaceful and law-abiding. She reiterated her commitment to serving the people of Kogi Central and called for an end to violence and political harassment.
“Our resolve to speak truth to power and advocate for our people must not be met with terror. We call on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure all those responsible are brought to justice,” the statement read.
