The attempted assassination of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been harshly denounced by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), which calls it a blatant and disturbing assault on Nigeria’s democratic values.
HURIWA expressed grave worry about the event that occurred early on Tuesday at the Senator’s family home in Obeiba-Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, Kogi State, in a statement released by the organization’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert, claims that Yakubu Ovanja, the senator’s chief security officer, informed the appropriate security authorities about the attack.
Around 1:00 a.m., the attackers, brandishing cutlasses and guns, broke through the windows and caused significant damage to the house.
Despite the violence, Okehi Police Division security personnel acted quickly to stop it from getting worse.
The attackers are still at large, but thankfully no casualties were recorded. The motivation for the attack is yet unknown, according to police officials, and preliminary investigations are in progress.
HURIWA responded to the news by demanding a thorough investigation and the prompt conviction of the attack’s perpetrators.
The group also urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s safety, emphasising that any harm to her would pose a serious threat to national stability.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of the most vocal advocates for constitutional democracy and equal opportunities in Nigeria.
“Her safety must be guaranteed at all costs. This attack is a threat not only to her life but also to democratic values in the country,” HURIWA’s statement read
HURIWA also referenced previous claims by the Senator, who had alleged threats to her life. While the group noted that it could not independently confirm these claims, it emphasised the urgent need for security agencies to act swiftly and impartially to prevent any further violence.
The group concluded by calling on political stakeholders to resolve disputes through peaceful, lawful means and to avoid actions that could destabilise the political climate in the country.
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