Akpoti-Uduaghan Reacts To Gunmen Attack, Accuses Akpabio, Bello Of Incitement
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the 10th Assembly, has called on the Nigerian police to hold Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo accountable if any harm befalls her.
This plea follows an attack on her family house in Obeiba-Ihima, Kogi State, on Tuesday night.
The gunmen, who were under the mistaken belief that the senator was present, vandalised windows in her late grandfather’s home before being repelled by civil defence operatives and local residents.
In a statement, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media team condemned the assault, describing it as “brazen and calculated,” suggesting a link to her recent accusations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.
The senator narrated that her younger brother had brought contractors to inspect locations for upcoming projects in her hometown, and the attackers, unaware of her absence, targeted her family home.
Fortunately, no one was harmed, and the police have been informed.
“Nigeria Police, I reiterate, should any harm befall me, Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Ex Gov. Yahaya Bello and Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State should be held responsible.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged the public to stay calm and support justice, emphasising that her commitment to speaking the truth and serving her constituents should not be met with violence.
She further stated, “We call on the public to remain calm and support the pursuit of justice. My dedication to speaking truth and representing my constituents should not be met with violence and intimidation.”
The senator has had a tense relationship with Senate leadership, having been suspended for six months earlier.
On April 11, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan responded to a defamation and incitement petition from Akpabio, citing genuine concerns for her safety.
The petition followed her public accusation on April 1, 2025, where she alleged that Akpabio had ordered an assassination attempt on her in Kogi State, intending to make it appear as though her constituents were responsible for her death.
Akpabio denied the claim, calling it a false and politically motivated lie, and he urged law enforcement to investigate the matter seriously.
The petition, which was also copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public outburst on April 1, 2025.
During a speech in Kogi State, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of instructing former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello to assassinate her in Kogi State, claiming that the act was intended to make it appear that her constituents were responsible for her death.
Akpabio categorically denied the accusation, calling it a “heinous lie” and a “reckless and deliberate attempt” to tarnish his reputation.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
