The Kogi State Police Command has apprehended a suspected ritualist allegedly involved in the recent attack on the family home of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
According to a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, SP William Aya, the suspect was arrested following a swift response by police operatives to a distress call from the senator’s residence in Okene.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, reportedly saw the suspect and his accomplices (now at large) attempting to break into the senator’s family compound. Security personnel attached to the residence raised the alarm, leading to a confrontation with the intruders.
“The suspect was apprehended while trying to escape the scene,” Aya stated. “Our officers recovered some dangerous weapons and fetish items from him, suggesting possible ritual motives behind the attack.”
The police spokesperson confirmed that investigations have commenced to track down other suspects still at large and unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was not present during the attack, has since commended the police for their prompt response. In a statement released through her media aide, the senator described the incident as “disturbing” but expressed confidence in security agencies to get to the root of the matter.
“This attack on my family home raises serious concerns about the security situation in our state,” the senator stated. “While we thank God no lives were lost, we urge security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property across Kogi State.”
The police command has assured residents of increased surveillance and patrols in the area, even as they appealed to the public to provide useful information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.
This incident comes barely three months after a similar attack was reported at the residence of another prominent politician in the state, raising concerns about the safety of public officials and their families in Kogi.
The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation at the state criminal investigation department while the police say they are exploring possible connections to other criminal activities in the region.
Residents of Okene have expressed shock over the incident, with many calling for improved security measures in the area. Community leaders have scheduled an emergency meeting with security agencies to address growing concerns about criminal activities in the region.
The Kogi State Government is yet to officially comment on the incident, but sources indicate that the Governor has been briefed and is monitoring developments.
