The king of the ancient Bangha Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Majesty Suanu Baridam, was shot by gunmen on Sunday.
According to reports, Baridam, the first-class monarch was shot between Taabaa Junction and Sogho while coming from an engagement in the Okwale community, which is located inside Khana LGA.
According to sources, the gunmen attacked his vehicle and attempted to stop it, but the driver refused.
The assassins then opened fire, hitting the monarch in the leg and leaving the driver with gunshot wounds.
Though the motive for the attack could not be determined at the time of reporting this article, preliminary evidence suggests that the shooters meant to assassinate the traditional monarch.
This is the second time King Baridam has survived an assassination attempt.
He is currently being treated at an unidentified hospital in Port Harcourt.
The Chairman of Khana LGA, Mr Thomas Bariere, denounced the attack on the king.
According to Bariere, the incident was unrelated to any gang-related situation.
He added that a group of crooks has been aiming to instill panic among Khana people.
“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 promised that those involved would be found and prosecuted.
“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 requested a comprehensive investigation of the occurrence.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Executive Director, Mr Fyneface Dumnamene, decried the attack as attacking not only the king but also 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 an investigation is ongoing,” Iringe-Koko, a chief superintendent of police, stated.
It was gathered that the monarch was seen in a hospital ward with a bandage on his right ankle, while blood was still seeping from the wound.
