The family residence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was reportedly attacked by unknown gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The incident took place in Obeiba-Ihima, located in the Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to security sources, at least three men armed with cutlasses and guns stormed the property around 1:00 a.m. The attackers vandalized parts of the building, shattering window panes and causing panic in the area.
The Chief Security Officer to the senator, Mr. Yakubu Ovanja, was said to have immediately reported the incident to the appropriate authorities. He also confirmed that the assailants appeared to have intentionally targeted the house but did not succeed in entering the main building.
Following a distress alert, a team of policemen from the Okehi Division was swiftly deployed to the scene. They arrived not long after the attackers had fled, but were able to assess the extent of the damage and commence preliminary investigations.
Fortunately, no lives were lost and no injuries were reported during the attack. As of the time of filing this report, no arrests have been made, and the motive for the attack remains unclear.
A senior police officer, who asked not to be named, said the police are taking the matter seriously and have launched an investigation to uncover the identities of the attackers and their reasons for carrying out the act.
“We are not ruling anything out at this stage. Investigations are ongoing. We have increased patrols in the area to ensure safety,” the officer said.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who currently represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has yet to make an official statement about the attack. Her office has also not responded to media inquiries.
This incident comes at a time when Kogi State, particularly the central district, has been experiencing rising political tensions. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been a vocal political figure and a key opposition voice in the state, often clashing with political opponents over issues of governance and development.
The Senator, a lawyer and social entrepreneur, rose to prominence after contesting in previous elections under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). She is now a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was elected to the Senate in the 2023 general elections after a fierce political battle.
Her political journey has not been without controversy and resistance. In 2022 and 2023, she faced several threats and allegations, which she often described as politically motivated attempts to silence her. In November 2023, she won a tightly contested legal battle that affirmed her victory at the polls, following petitions filed by her opponents.
The latest attack has raised fresh concerns about security in Kogi State, especially as the state has a history of politically-linked violence. Okehi, her hometown, has previously seen clashes and attacks suspected to be linked to political rivalries.
Residents of the community have expressed worry over the incident. Some described the attack as an intimidation tactic ahead of future political developments in the state.
“It is sad that people will go this far. We are afraid for our safety. The government must do more to protect lives and properties,” said Mr. John Adejo, a local youth leader in Obeiba-Ihima.
Civil society groups have also called on the police to treat the matter with urgency and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. One group, Kogi Justice Watch, issued a statement condemning the attack and urging security agencies not to sweep the matter under the carpet.
“We cannot afford to allow violence become a norm in our political process. No one should be attacked for their views or affiliations,” the group said.
In recent years, Kogi State has seen an increase in attacks involving political figures, community leaders, and residents, raising questions about the effectiveness of the state’s security measures. There have been calls for more community-based security initiatives and better intelligence gathering to prevent such incidents.
The Kogi State Police Command has assured the public that it is on top of the situation and has promised to give updates as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, political watchers and residents alike are awaiting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s response. Many believe her reaction could provide more insight into the possible motive behind the attack, or whether it is related to her political activities.
For now, tension remains in the area, with increased police presence reported around the senator’s residence and other sensitive locations in Okehi LGA.
