By Gite Igiehon
Society Column
The serenity of Ihima, Kogi State, was shattered as armed men launched a brazen nighttime assault on the family home of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly. The attack, which occurred late Tuesday, has sent shockwaves across the state and sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders and citizens alike.
According to initial reports, the gunmen stormed the Akpoti family compound with high-caliber weapons, firing sporadically and attempting to gain access into the main residence. Although the motive of the attack remains unclear, eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with residents fleeing in terror as gunshots pierced the night air.
In a swift response, local security operatives, aided by community vigilantes, mobilized to confront the intruders. After an intense exchange, one of the attackers was apprehended while the others fled into the surrounding bush. The suspect, who has not yet been named, is currently in police custody and is said to be aiding investigations.
Senator Akpoti, who was not at the residence at the time of the attack, expressed deep concern for her family’s safety. In a brief statement released Wednesday morning, she said, “This attack is not just on me or my family, but on peace and democracy. I urge security agencies to ensure a full and transparent investigation and bring all culprits to justice.”
This is not the first time Senator Akpoti has faced security threats. As a vocal advocate for good governance and equity, she has often been at the center of heated political tensions in Kogi State. Her supporters believe the latest incident may be politically motivated, especially given the timing ahead of key legislative deliberations and political repositioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, SP William Ovye Aya, confirmed the incident and reassured the public that full-scale investigations were underway. “We are not treating this as a random attack. Our officers are combing the area to apprehend the fleeing suspects, and we will continue to provide protection for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation,” he stated.
Civil society groups and political allies have condemned the attack, calling it an affront to democratic values and the rule of law. The Women Advocates Forum, in a statement signed by its president, described the incident as a “cowardly attempt to silence a woman of courage,” and called for heightened security around female politicians across Nigeria.
As investigations continue, many are watching closely to see whether this latest act of violence will serve as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government to intensify security around public figures, particularly in volatile states like Kogi. For now, the Akpoti family is safe, but the fear and tension left in the wake of the attack lingers.
