Rivers monarch survives attempted assassination

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - The Rivers State Police Command on Monday announced that it had launched a manhunt following the shooting of Suanu Baridam, the king of Bangha Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area.

The monarch narrowly escaped death after gunmen targeted him on Sunday.

Baridam, a first-class traditional ruler, was reportedly shot between Taabaa Junction and Sogho while returning from an engagement in the Okwale community, all within Khana LGA.

Sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the incident, said the gunmen ambushed his vehicle and attempted to stop it, but the driver refused to comply.

According to them, the assailants then opened fire, shooting the monarch in the leg, while his driver was also reported to have sustained gunshot injuries.

Though the motive for the attack was unclear at the time of filing this report, it was gathered that the gunmen intended to assassinate the monarch.

This is the second time the traditional ruler has narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. King Baridam is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Khana LGA, Thomas Bariere, condemned the attack on the monarch.

Bariere said the incident was not linked to any gang-related crisis. He disclosed that a group of criminals is on a rampage, 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, and by so doing, businesses and investors will stay away from the area,” he said.

“We have been here before, we understand the antics, and we are on top of our game. We have been shouting, complaining, and attending countless security meetings.

“All security formations in this environment have been providing credible intelligence, and they know the source of this scourge,” he added.

He warned that the council would no longer tolerate attacks on the people of the area and assured that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice.

“Those doing business in Khana should go about their lawful activities. The government is on top of the situation. We have identified the source of this threat. In the days to come, security operatives will do their job, and those behind this will be brought to justice,” Bariere stated.

Meanwhile, a group, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, has called for a thorough investigation into the incident.

The Executive Director, Fyneface Dumnamene, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday morning, said the attack targeted not only the King of Bangha Kingdom but also the traditional institution in Rivers State.

The statement reads, “The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre strongly condemns the assassination attempt on the life of His Royal Majesty, Suanu Baridam, the 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 into the incident and call on the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“We urge the Governor of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to facilitate the provision of adequate security for the King upon recovery and ensure the safety of all citizens in the State.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the King, and we wish him a swift recovery.”

When contacted on Monday, spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying the investigation is ongoing.

“Yes, I confirm the attack. He sustained gunshot injuries; however, he is responding to treatment, and the investigation is ongoing,” Iringe-Koko stated.

Our correspondent reports that the monarch was seen in a hospital ward with a bandage on his right ankle, while blood was still visible at the injury site.