The king of the ancient Bangha Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Majesty Suanu Baridam, escaped death after being shot by gunmen on Sunday.
It was gathered that Baridam, a first-class monarch, was shot between Taabaa Junction and Sogho while returning from an engagement in Okwale community, all within Khana LGA.
Sources said the gunmen ambushed his vehicle and tried to stop it, but the driver refused to halt.
The assailants then opened fire, injuring the monarch in the leg, while the driver also sustained gunshot wounds.
Though the motive for the attack could not be confirmed at the time of filing this report, initial indications suggest that the gunmen intended to assassinate the traditional ruler.
This marks the second time King Baridam has survived an assassination attempt.
He is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt.
Reacting to the attack, the Chairman of Khana LGA, Mr Thomas Bariere, condemned the assault on the monarch.
Bariere said the incident was not linked to any gang-related crisis.
He explained that a group of criminals has been attempting to instil fear in residents of Khana.
“Their intention is to cause intimidation and create an atmosphere that looks like there is a crisis in Khana, which could drive away businesses and investors.
“We have faced this before, we understand their antics, and we are on top of our game. All security formations in this environment have been providing credible intelligence and know the source of this scourge,” he said.
He warned that the council would no longer tolerate attacks on residents and assured that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice.
“Those doing business in Khana should continue with their lawful activities. The government is on top of the situation.
“We know the source of these attacks, and in the coming days, security operatives will do their job and bring the perpetrators to book,” Dr Bariere added.
Meanwhile, the Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Executive Director, Mr Fyneface Dumnamene, condemned the attack as not only targeting the king but the traditional institution in Rivers State.
“The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre strongly condemns the assassination attempt on His Royal Majesty, Dr Suanu T. Baridam, First-Class King of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the Ogoni axis of the East-West Road in Rivers State.
“This heinous and cowardly act is not only an attack on the King’s person but also an affront to the traditional institution in Rivers State and a threat to the peace of Bangha Kingdom, Khana, Ogoni, and the Niger Delta region.
“We demand a thorough investigation and call on the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“We also urge the Governor of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to ensure adequate security for the King and the safety of all citizens.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the King, and we wish him a swift recovery,” the statement read.
When contacted on Monday, the spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and said the investigation is ongoing.
“Yes, I confirm the attack. He sustained gunshot injuries.
“However, he is responding to treatment, and investigation is ongoing,” Iringe-Koko, a Chief Superintendent of Police, stated.
Our correspondent reports that the monarch was seen in a hospital ward with a bandage on his right ankle, while blood was still seeping from the wound.
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