Armed assailants launched an attack on the residence of Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday night, escalating the already tense political atmosphere surrounding the embattled lawmaker.
The incident occurred in Ihima, located in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State. The gunmen reportedly damaged parts of the property, including windows, before their actions were disrupted by a combined response from local police, community security volunteers, and residents.
Authorities confirmed that one suspect, identified as Suberu Jose, was arrested at the scene. He is alleged to be connected to occult activities and possibly acting under the influence of political opposition forces. Law enforcement recovered a cutlass and fetish items from the suspect, who reportedly confessed to having taken part in multiple previous attacks on the senator’s home.
According to eyewitnesses, an angry mob nearly lynched the suspect before he was rescued by police. His arrest marks a breakthrough following a similar attack on the senator’s property in April, which ended without any arrests.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has faced mounting pressure after making public allegations of sexual misconduct against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The fallout led to her controversial suspension from the Senate and the recent filing of criminal charges by the Federal Government.
In response to the latest attack, the senator’s media office released a statement urging her supporters to stay calm and continue to stand by her. The statement decried the violence as an unacceptable attempt to silence her political activism and advocacy for justice.
Speaking to journalists, Kogi State Police spokesperson SP William Ovye Aya confirmed the incident, noting that the suspect in custody is cooperating with investigators. He also gave assurances that efforts are ongoing to capture the other individuals involved in the attack.
The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, but political observers believe it is connected to the broader tensions surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ongoing legal and political battles.
