Pandemonium broke out at the National Assembly on Tuesday as security operatives fired tear gas to disperse thousands of supporters who accompanied Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan back to resume duties after a six-month suspension.
The Kogi Central lawmaker arrived at the complex with a massive crowd of over 20,000 constituents but was met with heavy resistance at the gates. The clash left several supporters injured, with many rushed to nearby hospitals after choking on tear gas fumes.
The tension came despite earlier reports that her office had been restored within the Assembly, raising hopes she would be allowed to return without incident. Eyewitnesses described the scene as “chaotic and humiliating,” accusing security operatives of unleashing unnecessary force on a peaceful procession.
Women and youths who traveled from Kogi State were among those seen gasping for breath and crying for help before emergency responders intervened. Staff and lawmakers inside the Assembly expressed shock at the violence. “It was supposed to be a historic return, but it turned into a nightmare,” a staff member lamented.
Visibly shaken, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the attack on her supporters. “These are innocent Nigerians who came in peace; they deserve better,” she told journalists.
The incident has triggered outrage among civil society groups and political commentators, who branded it a dent on Nigeria’s democratic image and demanded urgent answers from the Senate leadership.
