Terror in Ihima: Gunmen Storm Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Family Home in Kogi

In a chilling wave of violence that has left residents shaken and raised fresh concerns over the state of security in Kogi State, armed men attacked the family house of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The attack, which took place on the night of Tuesday, April 15, 2025, occurred in Obeiba-Ihima, a town in the Ihima Local Government Area of the state.

Eyewitnesses and community members reported that the gunmen stormed the residence with clear intent, targeting the home of the senator's late grandfather. The assailants vandalized several windows of the structure in what appeared to be a calculated strike. Tensions quickly rose as residents scrambled in fear, with the potential for greater destruction looming — until security operatives arrived just in time to prevent further chaos.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the state and beyond, especially given Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s prominent role in national politics. Her recent suspension from the Senate over alleged breach of protocol and a failed recall attempt by aggrieved constituents have kept her in the spotlight, making the timing of this attack all the more alarming.

Confirming the attack, the senator released a statement describing how the events unfolded. “Two days ago, my younger brother took contractors to my hometown in Ihima to inspect sites for upcoming projects I attracted to my senatorial district,” she revealed. “The unknown gunmen assumed I was 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.”

While the swift response from security operatives and vigilant locals may have averted a full-scale tragedy, the broader implications of such an attack cannot be ignored. Residents of Obeiba-Ihima are now living in fear, with many expressing concern about their safety and the seeming inability of law enforcement to preempt such security breaches. The community has become the latest in a string of areas across Nigeria’s middle belt region where brazen acts of violence have occurred, leaving citizens questioning the reach and reliability of government protection.

Efforts to get an official response from the Kogi State Police Command proved futile. At the time of filing this report, calls and text messages sent to the Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya, went unanswered. The silence from the police authority has only deepened public anxiety and suspicion, as residents are eager for reassurance that such attacks will not become a recurring menace.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political career has not been without turbulence. The recent six-month suspension by her Senate colleagues, reportedly over a breach of protocol, sparked widespread debate over internal disciplinary mechanisms in the National Assembly. Even more recently, she faced a recall attempt initiated by some constituents who accused her of neglecting constituency obligations — a move that ultimately failed, further cementing her place as a controversial yet resilient political figure.

Many observers are now questioning whether the attack may be politically motivated, a form of intimidation against the senator whose populist stance and bold presence have earned her both fierce loyalty and sharp opposition. Though no official link has been established between the attack and her political battles, the timing has raised eyebrows in both political and security circles.

Meanwhile, the local community has begun to rally around the senator and her family. In conversations with residents, there was a strong sentiment of condemnation for the attack and a call for greater protection of public figures who are working to bring development to the grassroots.

“It’s scary that people who are trying to bring progress to the community are being attacked like this,” one community member said. “We need the government to protect them and us too. If they can go after a senator’s house, then no one is safe.”

This latest incident adds to the troubling trend of rising insecurity in parts of Nigeria, where gunmen frequently stage kidnappings, raids, and violent attacks with little resistance. In recent days alone, reports have emerged of similar acts of violence: villagers fleeing fresh gunmen attacks in Benue, worshippers abducted on a mountain in Lokoja, and vigilante members killed in the FCT. Each of these cases paints a picture of a nation grappling with the challenge of restoring order and trust.

As Nigerians continue to digest the implications of this latest attack, one thing remains clear — the call for improved security and accountability is louder than ever. Whether the authorities will respond with the urgency and seriousness the situation demands remains to be seen.

For Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the people of Kogi Central, the attack is not just a random act of violence — it is a disturbing signal that the lines between politics and insecurity are becoming increasingly blurred. And until those responsible are identified and brought to justice, the fear and tension hanging over Obeiba-Ihima will remain a harsh reminder of the risks faced by those in public service.