The King of the ancient Bangha Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Majesty Suanu Baridam, narrowly escaped death on Sunday after gunmen attacked his convoy and shot him at close range.
The first-class traditional ruler was reportedly ambushed between Taabaa Junction and Sogho community while returning from an engagement in Okwale, all within Khana LGA. According to sources familiar with the incident, the assailants attempted to stop the monarch’s vehicle, but the driver refused to halt and tried to drive through the area.
The gunmen then opened fire on the vehicle, hitting the monarch in the leg. The driver was also shot during the attack. Both victims were immediately rushed to a hospital in Port Harcourt, where they are currently receiving treatment. The hospital’s location was not disclosed for security reasons.
Although the motive behind the attack has not been officially confirmed, early indications suggest that the gunmen intended to assassinate the monarch. This incident marks the second time King Baridam has survived an assassination attempt, raising serious concerns about his safety and the rising insecurity in the area.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Mr Thomas Bariere, strongly condemned the attack and described it as a criminal act aimed at spreading fear among residents. He dismissed claims that the shooting was linked to gang-related violence or communal conflict.
According to Bariere, a group of criminals has been operating in the area with the intention of creating panic and projecting Khana as unsafe for business and investment. He assured residents that security agencies are already on top of the situation and have credible intelligence on the perpetrators.
“Their goal is intimidation and to create the impression that there is a crisis in Khana,” Bariere said. “We have seen this pattern before, and we understand their tactics. All security formations are working together, and those responsible will be brought to justice.”
He urged residents and business owners to continue their lawful activities, adding that the local government would no longer tolerate attacks on innocent citizens.
Meanwhile, the Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre has called for a thorough investigation into the attack. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the group described the incident as a direct assault on the traditional institution in Rivers State and a threat to peace across the Ogoni axis and the wider Niger Delta.
The Rivers State Police Command also confirmed the incident. The police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the monarch sustained gunshot injuries but is responding to treatment, adding that investigations are ongoing.
Our correspondent reports that the king was seen in a hospital ward with a bandage on his right ankle, as blood was still visible from the gunshot wound.
