By Hauwa Umar
OKEHI, Kogi State – In a daring pre-dawn assault, unidentified gunmen attacked the family residence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the Obeiba-Ihima community of Okehi Local Government Area, Kogi State, on Tuesday, April 16, 2025. The invasion, which occurred around 1:00 a.m., has heightened tensions in the region, with residents and authorities grappling to understand the motive behind the brazen act.
According to eyewitness accounts and police reports, at least three assailants, armed with cutlasses and firearms, descended on the senator’s home. The attackers unleashed chaos, shattering window panes and vandalizing parts of the property in a violent spree that lasted several minutes. The sound of breaking glass and gunfire pierced the quiet night, sending panic through the neighborhood. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and no injuries were reported, though the psychological toll on the senator’s household and the community remains palpable.
Security operatives from the Okehi Divisional Police Station responded swiftly to a distress call, arriving at the scene to assess the damage. Officers documented the destruction, including broken windows and other property damage, and launched a preliminary investigation. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the perpetrators remain at large. The police have assured the public that efforts are underway to track down the culprits and bring them to justice.
The attack has sparked widespread concern, given Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s prominence as the representative of Kogi Central Senatorial District and her vocal advocacy on regional and national issues. While the motive remains unclear, speculation abounds, with some linking the incident to political tensions in the state. However, authorities have urged the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions as investigations continue.
A neighbor, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, described the ordeal: “We heard loud bangs and what sounded like gunshots. It was terrifying. We didn’t know if they were coming for the whole community or just the senator’s house.” Another resident lamented the growing insecurity in the area, calling for increased police presence and proactive measures to prevent future attacks.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was not at the residence during the attack, has yet to issue a public statement. Her office, however, confirmed the incident and expressed gratitude that no one was harmed. The senator is known for her resilience, having previously faced challenges in her political career, including legal battles and public controversies.
The Kogi State Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP William Aya, reiterated its commitment to unraveling the circumstances of the attack. “We are working tirelessly to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended,” Aya said, adding that additional security measures have been deployed to the area to restore calm.
This incident comes amid growing concerns about insecurity in Kogi State, where cases of armed robbery, kidnapping, and politically motivated violence have been reported in recent years. The attack on a high-profile figure like Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms to protect citizens and public officials alike.
As the investigation unfolds, residents of Obeiba-Ihima and beyond await answers, hoping for swift justice and an end to the specter of violence that looms over their community.
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