Security operatives, with support from local vigilantes, have repelled an armed attack on the family residence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Obeiba-Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, when unknown hoodlums wielding firearms and cutlasses stormed the premises, reportedly believed the Senator was present. The attackers vandalised windows at her late grandfather’s house before being forced to retreat due to the swift response of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel and members of the local community.
In a statement issued by her media team, the attack was described as “a brazen and calculated assault,” with suspicions that it may be connected to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent public allegations against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“The armed men, mistakenly believing the Senator was present, vandalised windows in her grandfather’s house. Fortunately, security operatives and community members responded swiftly and repelled the attackers,” the statement read.
The media team further called on the Inspector General of Police to reinstate the Senator’s security details, citing the need for adequate protection in the face of threats.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also recounted the incident, explaining that her younger brother had recently visited their hometown with contractors to inspect locations for constituency projects.
“The unknown gunmen assumed I was the one in town and attacked my family house that night. Thankfully, the civil defence team and community members responded promptly and chased them off. A report was made at the police area command, and no one was hurt,” she said.
She urged members of the public to remain calm and not be discouraged by acts of intimidation, affirming her commitment to justice and the welfare of her constituents.
“My dedication to speaking truth and representing my constituents should not be met with violence and intimidation,” she stated.
Police authorities are yet to release an official statement, but investigations into the incident are ongoing.
