The return of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the National Assembly on Tuesday, September 23, was marred by chaos after security operatives dispersed her supporters with tear gas.
The lawmaker, whose six-month suspension recently ended, arrived at the complex accompanied by a large crowd of constituents eager to celebrate her reinstatement.
However, security personnel reportedly blocked her entry and moved to disperse the gathering.
In the process, tear gas was deployed, leaving several people injured. Witnesses confirmed that some of the wounded were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The incident came shortly after news that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office had been reopened, fueling hopes that her return to legislative duties would go smoothly.
Instead, the show of force cast a shadow over what was expected to be a symbolic homecoming.
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Eyewitnesses described the atmosphere as tense, citing the heavy security presence and the use of aggressive crowd-control measures.
Among those affected were women and youths who had travelled from Kogi State.
Emergency teams later evacuated some of the injured, while the scene drew concern from National Assembly staff and lawmakers alike.
“It was supposed to be a historic return for her, but it turned into a nightmare,” a staff member of the Assembly recounted.
Reacting to the incident, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the actions of the security agencies. “These are innocent Nigerians who came in peace; they deserve better,” she told journalists.
The clash has since sparked outrage among civil society organisations and political commentators, who are urging the Senate leadership to investigate the incident and prevent similar confrontations in the future.