The country home of Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State came under attack once again on Tuesday night, marking the second violent assault on the property within two months.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of suspected gunmen stormed the residence, vandalizing windows and attempting further destruction before being repelled by a swift response from the police, local vigilantes, and community youths.
One suspect, identified as Suberu Jose, a native of the area, was apprehended during the raid. Security sources allege that Jose is a known ritualist linked to political opponents of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. During interrogation, Jose reportedly confessed to participating in three previous attacks on the senator’s residence.
A mob gathered at the scene attempted to lynch the suspect before he was rescued by law enforcement officers and taken into custody. Items recovered from him included a cutlass and charms, raising further suspicions about his motives. The other assailants reportedly fled and remain at large.
This latest attack follows a similar incident on April 15, 2025, which caused property damage but resulted in no arrests. The arrest of Jose marks the first significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into what many believe is a targeted campaign of political intimidation against the senator and her family.
The development comes amid heightened political tension surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is facing two criminal charges filed by the Federal Government. These charges stem from her public accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—an allegation that led to her controversial six-month suspension from the Senate.
In a statement released by her media team, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan strongly condemned the attack, urging residents of Kogi Central to remain calm and law-abiding while calling on security agencies to act decisively.
“Our resolve to speak truth to power and advocate for our people must not be met with terror. We call on security agencies to ensure thorough investigations and bring all perpetrators to justice,” the statement read.
The senator reaffirmed her commitment to representing her constituents and insisted that political intimidation will not deter her from performing her legislative duties.
