Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s family home in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, was attacked late Tuesday night—marking the second violent incident at the property in just two months.
According to eyewitnesses, armed assailants stormed the residence, shattering windows and attempting further damage before being repelled by a swift joint response from police officers, local vigilantes, and community members.
One suspect, identified as Suberu Jose, a local resident, was arrested at the scene. Authorities allege Jose is a ritualist with connections to political opponents of the senator. Security sources say he confessed to participating in three previous attacks on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s home.
Before police intervened, an enraged mob reportedly attempted to lynch the suspect. Officers recovered a cutlass and several charms allegedly found in his possession. Other attackers, reportedly armed and dangerous, fled and remain at large.
This latest assault follows a prior attack on April 15, 2025, which resulted in property damage but no arrests. Tuesday’s arrest is being viewed as a breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into what appears to be a sustained campaign of politically motivated intimidation against the senator and her family.
The attack comes amid rising political tensions. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently battling two criminal charges filed by the Federal Government, following her public allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—claims that led to her controversial six-month suspension from the Senate.
In a statement from her media office, the senator condemned the attack and called for calm, urging security agencies to investigate thoroughly and ensure justice is served.
“Our commitment to truth and to the people of Kogi Central must not be silenced by violence. We urge law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable and to safeguard democracy from such intimidation,” the statement said.
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