The Rivers State Police Command is investigating a shooting and violent attack on the traditional ruler of the Finima Community in the Bonny Local Government Area of the state.
HRH Dagogo Brown, the Amadabo of Finima Community in Bonny, nearly averted death when gunmen broke into a cultural masquerade presentation and opened fire on his castle.
During Saturday’s incident, the attackers allegedly destroyed property and injured numerous residents.
The violence was said to be the result of a dispute about cultural ceremonies, masquerade presentations, and families’ rights to participate in certain traditional events.
ASP Blessing Agabe, the police spokesperson in Rivers, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Agabe stated that normalcy had been restored in the neighborhood and that the command had launched an investigation into the event.
She stated that the investigation was aimed at identifying and apprehending individuals responsible for the attack.
“Investigation is ongoing into the matter, while one of the gang members has been arrested,” she said.
According to her, the arrested suspect was offering helpful information for the inquiry.
Agabe further stated that efforts were on to catch other suspected members of the gang who were still at large.
The attack apparently took place in the early hours of Saturday, after conflicts over ethnic identification and masquerade shows turned violent.
Although no one was killed, numerous locals reportedly suffered gunshot wounds and machete injuries during the event.
A squad of police officers was then sent to the area to restore order.
Mr. Abinye Pepple, Chairman of the Bonny Local Government Council, responded by condemning the violence and property devastation.
Pepple expressed concern about the incident and requested an impartial investigation to avert future escalation.
“The council assures that anyone involved in this dastardly act will face justice, no matter their position or status,” he stated.
He urged those who had fled the town to come home and remain calm, watchful, and law-abiding.
The council chairman also assured residents that security personnel had been sent to protect lives and property while also maintaining communal peace.
According to NAN, the Finima Community on Bonny Island is home to major national energy assets such as the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) gas liquefaction plant (Trains 1–7) and Renaissance Africa Energy’s Bonny crude oil export terminal.
