GUNMEN SHOOT RIVERS MONARCH, KING SUANU BARIDAM, IN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

Read Time:2 Minute, 20 Second

By Aishat Momoh. O.

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 shot him during an ambush.

The first-class monarch was reportedly attacked between Taabaa Junction and Sogho while returning from an engagement in Okwale community, all within Khana LGA.

Sources said the assailants attempted to stop the monarch’s vehicle, but the driver refused to halt, prompting the gunmen to open fire. The king sustained a gunshot injury to his leg, while the driver was also wounded in the attack.

Although the motive for the assault had not been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report, preliminary indications suggest that the gunmen intended to assassinate the traditional ruler. This incident marks the second time King Baridam has survived an assassination attempt.

The monarch is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Mr Thomas Bariere, condemned the attack, describing it as a criminal act aimed at instilling fear among residents.

Bariere said the attack was not linked to any gang-related crisis, noting that criminal elements were attempting to create an atmosphere of insecurity in the area.

“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,” he said.

He assured residents that security agencies were on top of the situation and warned that attacks on residents would no longer be tolerated.

“We know the source of these attacks, and in the coming days, security operatives will do their job and bring the perpetrators to book,” Bariere added.

Meanwhile, the Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre has called for a thorough investigation into the assassination attempt.

In a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt, the group’s Executive Director, Mr Fyneface Dumnamene, described the attack as an affront to the traditional institution in Rivers State and a threat to peace in the Niger Delta.

He urged the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to ensure a comprehensive investigation and called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to provide adequate security for the monarch and residents of the area.

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

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the monarch sustained gunshot injuries but is responding to treatment.

“Yes, I confirm the attack. He sustained gunshot injuries. However, he is responding to treatment, and investigation is ongoing,” she said.

Our correspondent reports that the monarch was seen in a hospital ward with his right ankle bandaged, with visible signs of bleeding from the wound.