Gunmen reportedly attacked the ancestral home of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Obeiba-Ihima, Ihima LGA of Kogi State on Tuesday night, damaging windows and sparking fear among locals.

The attack was believed to have been motivated by the assumption that the senator was in town, as contractors had visited the area days earlier to inspect projects she attracted to her senatorial district. The property, which belonged to her late grandfather, became a target of the assailants.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed the incident, praising the swift intervention of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel and vigilant community members who repelled the attackers.

“The unknown gunmen assumed I was around and attacked my family house that night,” she said. “Thankfully, the civil defence team and locals responded swiftly and chased them off.”

The Kogi State Police Commissioner, Miller Dantawaye, confirmed the attack and announced that an investigation is ongoing. However, police spokesperson ASP William Aya has yet to respond to inquiries.

Currently under a six-month Senate suspension over a breach of protocol, Akpoti-Uduaghan linked the attack to political retaliation. Her media team suggested the assault may have been prompted by her recent public accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

“This calculated assault appears to be a direct response to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s courageous stance,” the statement read, urging the Inspector General of Police to reinstate her withdrawn security detail.

The senator, who recently survived a recall attempt, reiterated her commitment to justice and effective representation, urging constituents to remain calm and vigilant amidst the growing political tension.