His Royal Majesty King Suanu Baridam, the first-class monarch of the ancient Bangha Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area, narrowly survived a deadly ambush by unidentified gunmen on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in what authorities are treating as an attempted assassination.
The traditional ruler was shot and wounded after assailants opened fire on his vehicle along the East–West Road, between Taabaa Junction and Sogho, while he was returning from an engagement in Okwale community.
According to eyewitness accounts gathered by our correspondent, the gunmen attempted to stop the monarch’s car, but the driver refused to halt. The assailants then immediately opened fire, striking the king in the leg. The driver also sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
The motive behind the attack has not been confirmed, but early indications suggest the assailants intended to kill the monarch, marking this as the second assassination attempt on King Baridam.
After the ambush, security operatives from the state police command and other agencies launched an intensive manhunt for the gunmen. A police spokesperson confirmed that investigations are underway, and that efforts to arrest those responsible are ongoing.
“Yes, I confirm the attack. He sustained gunshot injuries. However, he is responding to treatment, and investigation is ongoing,” said Grace Iringe-Koko, Chief Superintendent of Police and spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command.
Local government officials and civil society groups have strongly condemned the incident.
Mr. Thomas Bariere, Chairman of Khana LGA, characterised the attack as part of broader efforts by criminal elements to instill fear and disrupt peace in the area. He insisted the episode was not connected to any gang-related crisis, but rather an intimidation tactic aimed at deterring businesses and investors.
“Their intention is to cause intimidation and create an atmosphere that looks like there is a crisis in Khana,” Bariere said. “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 further vowed that the local government would not tolerate attacks on residents, pledging that “those responsible will be identified and brought to justice.”
In a separate statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre urged a full and transparent investigation. The group described the attack as an affront not only to King Baridam but to the traditional institution itself.
“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,” said Fyneface Dumnamene, Executive Director of the advocacy centre.
The group also called on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Commissioner of Police to ensure adequate security for the monarch and other residents as investigations progress.
King Baridam is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt, where he was seen with a bandaged right ankle shortly after the attack.
