Gunmen have shot the king of the ancient Bangha Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, Suanu Baridam, in what residents described as an attempted assassination.
The first-class traditional ruler was attacked on Sunday while returning from an engagement in Okwale community in Khana LGA.
Sources told PUNCH that the monarch was shot between Taabaa Junction and Sogho, both in Khana, when the assailants reportedly ambushed his vehicle and attempted to force it to stop.
It was gathered that the driver, however, refused to halt, prompting the gunmen to open fire on the vehicle.
The monarch was said to have sustained a gunshot injury to the leg, while the driver also suffered bullet wounds.
Although the motive behind the attack had yet to be established as of the time of filing this report, residents said the attackers appeared to have targeted the monarch for assassination.
This is the second time Baridam has reportedly survived an attempt on his life.
He was said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt.
Reacting, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Thomas Bariere, condemned the attack, insisting that the incident was not connected to any gang-related crisis in the area.
Bariere alleged that criminals were trying to create panic and project the council as unsafe to scare away investors and businesses.
“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 had been alerted and warned that the council would no longer tolerate attacks on law-abiding citizens.
“Those doing business in Khana should continue with their lawful activities.
The government is on top of the situation,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre has called for a comprehensive investigation into the attack.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Executive Director of the group, Fyneface Dumnamene, described the incident as an assault on the traditional institution in Rivers State and a threat to peace in the Ogoni axis.
The group urged the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to ensure the perpetrators were tracked and prosecuted, while also calling on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to strengthen security around the monarch and residents.
When contacted on Monday, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the attack and said detectives had commenced investigation.
“Yes, I confirm the attack. He sustained gunshot injuries.
However, he is responding to treatment, and investigation is ongoing,” Iringe-Koko, a Chief Superintendent of Police, said.
Our correspondent learnt that the monarch was seen on a hospital bed with his right ankle bandaged as blood continued to seep from the wound.