PORT HARCOURT — The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the attempted assassination of His Royal Majesty, King Suanu Baridam, the Paramount Ruler of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The monarch was attacked on Sunday evening along Tekar Sogho Road in Khana while traveling to Port Harcourt. Armed assailants reportedly ambushed his convoy, firing multiple shots at his vehicle. King Baridam sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh and was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.
Sources said the incident marks the second attempt on the life of the monarch, raising deep concern among leaders of the Ogoni ethnic nationality, who have condemned the rising wave of violence in the area.
Confirming the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Rivers State Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the command has begun a full-scale investigation.
She explained:
“On January 25, 2026, at about 5:30 p.m., His Royal Majesty, King T. Baridam, reported that while returning from Okwale community, where he attended a meeting, his vehicle came under attack by unknown gunmen.
Upon reaching Tekar Sogho Road, the hoodlums emerged from the bush and opened fire on his black Prado SUV. The gunshots shattered the windscreen and other parts of the vehicle. The monarch sustained a gunshot injury to his thigh and is currently receiving medical treatment.”
Iringe-Koko added that police operatives have been deployed to comb the area and track down the perpetrators, assuring that the command will leave “no stone unturned” in bringing those behind the attack to justice.
The Rivers State Police Command has urged residents of Khana and neighboring communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies in their ongoing investigation.
