Youth under the aegis of the Say No To Violence in Ebiraland (SNTVE), a peace advocacy group in Kogi Central of Kogi State, have condemned the recent armed attack on the family residence of the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in Ihima village.
They demanded a swift and thorough investigation by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other security agencies to bring those responsible to justice.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group described the attack as “a sinister attempt by evil forces to destabilise the peace and security of the area.” They warned that such violence not only endangers the life of the female lawmaker and her family but also poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“This brazen act of violence is an alarming indication of the growing insecurity in our nation. It is a direct threat to the life of Senator Natasha, her family, and the democratic values we all hold dear,” the group declared.
Spokesman for SNTVE, Hon. Abdulrazak O. Mamman, expressed deep concern over what he described as a dangerous precedent that could embolden further acts of politically-motivated violence.
“We are calling on the Inspector General of Police and heads of security agencies to leave no stone unturned in unraveling those responsible for this criminal act. Justice must be served to restore confidence in our security system,” Mamman urged.
The group lauded Akpoti-Uduaghan for her resilience in the face of what they termed “escalating challenges” and attempts at intimidation. They noted that despite numerous threats, the senator has continued to champion the cause of justice and democratic integrity.
“We commend Senator Natasha for her consistent display of bravery and strong will to stand by the truth, even in the face of escalating challenges. We urge her to remain focused and undeterred,” the statement added.
Reaffirming their support, SNTVE said the people of Ebiraland stand solidly behind the senator and her family. They also called on the federal government to urgently enhance security around her residence to prevent further attacks.
“We appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in condemning this heinous act and demanding immediate action to prevent a recurrence. The stability of our democracy depends on the protection of voices that speak truth to power,” the group emphasized.
The incident, which occurred earlier in the week, has continued to attract widespread condemnation from various quarters across Kogi State and beyond.
