A Rivers State First Class monarch likened to a cat with nine lives escapes another assassination attempt by yet to be identified assailants
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
Was the attempt on the life of one of the highly respected and influential traditional rulers in Rivers State, the paramount Ruler (Gbenemene) of Bangha Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, HRH King (Dr.) Suanu T.Y. Baridam, Gbenemene Bangha (VII) politically motivated or otherwise “Who is after the King? “Who has he wronged? This is what is in the lips of many in Rivers State.
Gunmen on Sunday 25, 2025 at about 5:30pm reportedly open fire on the handsome, charming and easy-going traditional ruler which those on the know described as a deadly attack and horrific. Baridam, a first-class monarch who narrowly escaped death after being shot severally by some yet to be identified gun men between Taabaa junction and Sogho Road, a key link between the area and East-West Road was attacked while
returning from an engagement in Okwale Community, also within Khana.
Eye witness told Tentacle that the assailants ambushed the monarch’s convoy, attempting to force the vehicle to stop. When the driver refused, the gun men reportedly opened fire, injuring the monarch in the leg, while the driver also sustained gunshots wounds. Though the motive for the attack is yet to be confirmed, initial indications suggest that the gunmen intend to assassinate the traditional ruler who is also the Chairman of Khana Traditional Rulers Council.
Tentacle further gathered that this marks the second time King Baridam has survived an assassination attempt confirming the incident in a statement, the Rivers State Police Command said unknown gunmen emerged from nearby bushed and attacked the monarch’s black Prado Jeep, shattering the windscreen and damaging other parts of the vehicles. The Police said patrol teems were immediately deployed to the area to comb the surrounding and track down of the attackers.
“The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a full investigation into the incident and will leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice” the statement said.
The command also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information that could aid the investigation. The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of traditional rulers and he rising wave of violent attacks in parts of Rivers State.
HRM, King Dr. Suanu T.Y. Baridam Reacting to the attack, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Chief (Dr.) Thomas Bariere condemned the assault on the monarch Bariere said the incident was not linked to any gang-related crisis. He explained that a group of criminals has been attempting to instill fear in the residents of Khana.
“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. We have face this before, we understand their antics and we are on top of our game all security formation in this environment have been providing credible intelligence and know the source of this scourge”, he said.
He warned that the council would no longer tolerate attacks on residents and assured that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice. “Those doing business in Khana should continue with their lawful activities. The government is 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”. Dr. Bariere added.
Until the assassins are brought to book and their motives revealed, a cloud of insecurity will still linger reminding everyone that if there is no safety for a traditional ruler, then no one in the community is safe.
Security agencies have started some investigations to know the culprits behind the attack, the attack on a traditional ruler shows that there is no regard for law and order in the community, it might also be a related to local disputes. The incident is a call for state authority to address and curtail violence before it damages the community.
Meanwhile, the Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre also has joined in calling for a thorough investigation into the incident. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the Executive Director Mr. Fyneface Dumnamene, condemned the attack as not only targeting the king but the traditional institution in Rivers State. “The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre strongly condemns the assassination attempts on his Royal Majesty, Dr. Suanu Baridam first class king of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the Ogoni axis of the East-West Road 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 the peace of Bangha Kingdom, Khana, Ogoni, and the Niger Delta Region. I call on the commissioner of Police to investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. I also urge the Governor of the state to join forces with security agencies to ensure the king’s protection going forward. May the Almighty God heal and keep the king”, he added.
Prosper Lenee in his own reaction said, “What is coming to the Ogoni guys again. How long shall we continue like this? Are you telling me this evil was done by an outsider? Capital no, these was done by our brothers from Ogoni. I don’t know how to express my feelings right now, may God always protect the king and every well-meaning sons and daughters of ours”.
Meanwhile, the king has urged his subjects, especially the youth, to remain calm and law abiding after surviving assassination attempt. King Baridam in a statement he personally signed called on residents to avoid violence and refrain from taking actions that could interfere with the ongoing Police investigations.
He said, “The recent attempt on my life and the lives of those with me is deeply concerning”.
“I urge all youths and citizens to remain peaceful, cooperate with security agencies and allow due process to take its course”.
The King warned that any one found taking the law into their own hands or spreading false information would face strict legal consequences, stressing that such actions threaten the unity, safety and progress of Bangha Kingdom and the wider Khana Local Government Area.
King Baridam expressed confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies and appealed to residents provide credible information to support the investigation. He also called for patience, mutual understanding and continued solidarity during this sensitive period.
His majesty reaffirmed his commitment to the safety, welfare and harmonious coexistence of all subjects, thanking security agencies, community leaders and loyal citizens for their support and prayers.
“Through peace, vigilance and cooperation, justice will be served,” he stated.
