Rivers State Monarch Survives Second Assassination Attempt in Khana LGA
In a shocking incident that has raised serious security concerns, His Royal Majesty Suanu Baridam, the first-class traditional ruler of the ancient Bangha Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, narrowly escaped death after armed assailants opened fire on his vehicle. The attack occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2026, along the Taabaa Junction–Sogho axis while the monarch was returning from an engagement in Okwale community within Khana LGA.
Details of the Violent Attack
According to eyewitness accounts and official reports, the gunmen attempted to stop the monarch's vehicle, but the driver refused to halt. The assailants subsequently opened fire, injuring King Baridam in the leg while the driver also sustained gunshot wounds. Both victims were immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt where they are currently receiving medical treatment. The Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, stating that while the monarch sustained gunshot injuries, he is responding positively to treatment.
Second Assassination Attempt on the Monarch
Preliminary investigations suggest this was a deliberate assassination attempt targeting the traditional ruler. This marks the second time King Baridam has survived such a violent attack on his life, raising questions about the security of traditional institutions in the region. Authorities have not yet confirmed the specific motive behind the attack, but security agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and determine their intentions.
Local Government and Community Reactions
The Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Mr. Thomas Bariere, strongly condemned what he described as a criminal attempt to destabilize the area. Bariere dismissed suggestions that the attack was linked to any gang-related crisis, instead attributing it to criminal elements attempting to instill fear among residents and create an atmosphere of crisis that could drive away businesses and investors from the region.
"Their intention is to cause intimidation and create an atmosphere that looks like there is a crisis in Khana," Bariere stated. "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."
Advocacy Groups Demand Justice
The Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC) has called for a thorough investigation into the assassination attempt. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the group's Executive Director, Mr. Fyneface Dumnamene, described the attack as an assault not only on the monarch but on the entire traditional institution 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 peace in Bangha Kingdom, Khana, Ogoni and the wider Niger Delta region," the statement read.
Security Assurances and Ongoing Investigation
The Khana Local Government Chairman assured residents that security operatives would bring the perpetrators to justice, warning that attacks on residents would no longer be tolerated. He encouraged businesses to continue their lawful activities, emphasizing that the government was 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," Bariere affirmed.
The advocacy group has specifically 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. The police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for this brazen attack on traditional authority.
