Senator Natasha Writes IGP, Demands Security Reinstatement Following Attack on Family Residence
Suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has appealed to the Inspector General of Police to urgently reinstate her security details, following an alleged attack on her family residence in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
She made the plea in a statement issued by her media team and titled ‘Gunmen Attack Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Family House.’
The lawmaker alleged that the assault was a targeted attempt on her life, which was thwarted by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and members of the local community.
“We condemn the brazen attack on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s family house in Obeiba-Ihima, Kogi State, on Tuesday, April 15.
“Armed men, mistakenly believing the senator was present, vandalised windows in her grandfather’s house. Fortunately, security operatives swiftly responded and repelled the attackers.
“This calculated assault appears to be a direct response to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s courageous stance against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment.
“We urge the Inspector General of Police to immediately reinstate her security details,” the statement read.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said the attackers appeared to have acted on mistaken information that she was in the community at the time.
“Two days ago, my younger brother took some contractors to my hometown in Ihima to inspect locations for upcoming projects I attracted to my senatorial district.
“The unknown gunmen assumed I was the one in town and attacked my family house that night.
“Thankfully, the civil defence team and community members responded promptly and chased them off. A report was made at the police area command, and no one was hurt,” she said.
In the statement, the senator’s team also called on the public to remain vigilant and support her efforts to seek justice.
“We call on the public to remain calm and support the pursuit of justice for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her dedication to speaking truth and representing her constituents should not be met with violence and intimidation.”
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, told reporters in Lokoja on Thursday that gunmen attacked the senator’s family home in Obeiba community on Tuesday night.
An investigation into the incident is reportedly underway.