By Obinna Uballa
Police in Rivers State have launched a manhunt for gunmen who ambushed and shot the traditional ruler of the ancient Bangha Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Suanu Baridam, in Khana Local Government Area of the state.
The first-class monarch narrowly escaped death on Sunday after his vehicle came under attack while he was returning from an engagement in Okwale community. The incident occurred along the Taabaa Junction–Sogho axis, both within Khana LGA.
Sources said the assailants attempted to stop the monarch’s vehicle, but the driver refused to halt. The gunmen reportedly opened fire, hitting Baridam in the leg, while the driver also sustained gunshot injuries.
Although the motive behind the attack has yet to be established, there are strong indications that it was an assassination attempt. This is the second time the monarch has survived a similar attack.
The king is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt, where he was seen with a bandage on his right ankle.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Mr Thomas Bariere, condemned the attack, describing it as a criminal act aimed at spreading fear in the area.
Bariere said the assault was not connected to any gang-related conflict, but rather part of an effort by criminal elements to create a false impression of insecurity in Khana.
“Their intention is to intimidate people and create an atmosphere that suggests there is a crisis in Khana, which could scare away businesses and investors,” he said.
He assured residents that security agencies were already on top of the situation, adding that credible intelligence had been gathered on the activities of those responsible.
“We have seen this pattern before and we understand their tactics. All security formations in this environment are working together, and we know the source of this menace,” Bariere said.
He warned that the council would no longer tolerate attacks on residents and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. “Those doing legitimate business in Khana should continue without fear. The government is fully in control, and in the coming days security operatives will do their job,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC) has called for a thorough investigation into the attack.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, the organisation’s Executive Director, Mr Fyneface Dumnamene, condemned the incident, describing it as an attack not only on the monarch but on the traditional institution in Rivers State.
“This heinous and cowardly act is an affront to the traditional institution and a threat to peace in Bangha Kingdom, Khana, Ogoni and the wider Niger Delta,” the statement read.
The group urged the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to ensure that those behind the attack are apprehended and prosecuted, while also calling on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to provide adequate security for the monarch and residents of the area.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with His Royal Majesty, and we wish him a speedy recovery,” YEAC said.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said investigations were ongoing.
“Yes, I confirm the attack. He sustained gunshot injuries but is responding to treatment. Investigation is ongoing,” the Chief Superintendent of Police stated.
