Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on the Inspector-General of Police to reinstate her security details following a violent attack on her family residence in Obeiba-Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate, said the attack, which occurred on Tuesday night, was carried out by unknown armed men who believed she was in town.
In a statement released by her media team in Abuja on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that the attackers stormed her ancestral home, which belonged to her late grandfather, and vandalised the property.
“Two days ago, my younger brother took some contractors to my hometown in Ihima to inspect locations for upcoming projects that I attracted to my senatorial district,” the senator said.
“The unknown gunmen assumed I was the one in town and attacked my family’s house that night.”
She added, “Thankfully, the civil defence team and community members responded promptly and chased them off.
“A report was made to the police area command, and no one was hurt. We urge the Inspector-General of Police to immediately reinstate my security details.”
Confirming the attack, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Miller Dantawaye, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the incident was reported to the command by the Divisional Police Officer in Okehi.
“The command has been fully briefed on the unfortunate and criminal incident. So far, no arrest has been made.
Investigation into the incident has begun and we shall get to the root of it,” Dantawaye said.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media team described the attack as a “calculated attempt to silence” the senator, stressing that her commitment to serving her constituents should not be met with threats.
“We condemn the brazen attack on Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s family house in Obeiba-Ihima, Kogi on Tuesday, April 15,” the statement read.
“We call on the public to remain calm. Her dedication to speaking the truth and representing her constituents should not be met with violence and intimidation.”
Meanwhile, the senator, while expressing gratitude that no lives were lost, maintained that her work for the people of Kogi Central will not be deterred by such threats.
