Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday received an enthusiastic reception from supporters and residents of Ihima community in Kogi State, despite a state government ban on rallies and processions.

By 8 am, crowds from the five local government areas of Kogi Central Senatorial District, which Akpoti-Uduaghan represents, had flooded the Ihima community in Okehi Local Government Area (LGA) to welcome the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker.

Several local musicians entertained the gathering as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the senator. Their patience was soon rewarded when Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived in a white helicopter, prompting cheers and jubilant applause from her supporters.

Addressing the crowd, Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged the state government’s ban but dismissed concerns that it applied to her visit.

“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed, that roads will be blocked, and convoys leading into the state will not be permitted. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not a political season, this is not campaign time,” she said.

“We are not having a rally. This is just me, the Senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – Sallah – with you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”

Her visit came just hours after the Kogi State Government imposed a ban on public gatherings and processions, citing security concerns. The restrictions were further reinforced by a curfew imposed in the area by Okehi LGA Chairman, Amoka Monday, and a police warning advising her to cancel the event.

Despite these measures, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained defiant, insisting that no authority could prevent her from visiting her home.

“Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land. I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody,” she declared to the cheering crowd.

Ahead of her homecoming, the senator alleged that any security breach during the event should be blamed on Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has been in the headlines in recent months, having been suspended from the Senate for allegedly violating its rules. Her suspension coincided with a sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Akpabio. Additionally, a recall process against her is currently underway. However, she maintains that her political travails are the result of a witch hunt.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 16 travellers in Edo State, describing the act as senseless, barbaric, and unacceptable.

Akpabio, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for swift justice to assuage the pain of the victims’ families.

“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the gruesome murder of 16 travellers in Edo State. This senseless act of violence is unacceptable and has no place in our society,” he said.

The Senate President urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to book without delay.

“I condemn in very strong terms this heinous crime and urge the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served to prevent further occurrences and reassure Nigerians of their safety.”

Akpabio further emphasised the need for unity in the face of violence, calling on Nigerians to resist divisions that could arise from such tragic events.

“As a people, we must work together to promote peace, unity, and understanding. We cannot afford to let such acts of violence divide us or undermine our collective efforts to build a better Nigeria.”

He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the government, and the people of Edo State, praying for divine comfort in their time of grief.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims, the government, and the people of Edo State. May God grant the departed peaceful rest and give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

A stampede at the Gombe main Eid prayer ground on Sunday claimed the lives of two young children, identified as Aisha Salisu Ahmed (4½ years old) and Maryam Abdullahi Gwani (4 years old).

The tragic incident reportedly occurred when a large crowd, mainly women and children, rushed to exit the prayer venue, causing chaos and trampling. Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Reacting to the unfortunate event, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, expressed his condolences to the bereaved families in a statement signed by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli.

“We grieve with their families during this difficult time, and our hearts are with them as they mourn the loss of their beloved children,” the governor stated.

Governor Yahaya has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stampede to prevent future occurrences.

“The safety and well-being of our citizens remain a top priority,” he said, assuring that the government would learn from the tragedy and implement corrective measures.

In response to the crisis, the governor dispatched a high-powered delegation, led by the Chief of Staff of Government House, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, to visit medical facilities treating the injured.

The delegation toured Zainab Bulkachuwa Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, where most patients were reported to be in stable condition. Doctors assured that many had already been treated and discharged, while others were expected to recover soon.

To support the victims and their families, Governor Yahaya has directed that all medical expenses be fully covered by the state government, ensuring proper care and easing the financial burden on parents.