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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
A popular traditional ruler from the Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Suana Baridam, has escaped death by the whiskers believed to be an assassination attempt.
Baridam, a first-class king from the Bengha kingdom, in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, was shot at around Okwale town, Taabaa road on his way from Gokana local council area by unknown gunmen.
He is said to be recovering in an undisclosed medical centre in the area.
A statement credited to the spokesperson to the monarch, Professor L.C. Micah, said the king was ambushed and struck forcibly in the thigh and that he suffered severe blood loss.
The statement read: “This is a dastardly crime against a monarch merely performing his traditional and constitutional duties to maintain peace within his domain.
“We are aware from the outset that the attack was an isolated case, an assassination attempt that stirred cries of conspiracy. The conspiracy theory is a byproduct of an impassioned and often inflammatory chieftaincy discourse in Nyokhana.
“It is unfortunate that the world has become used to bad news from Ogoni. But, no one, in his or her wildest imagination would have thought that Khana people would descend so low as to engineer the calculated attempted murder of an innocent and courageous King.
“The consequences of violence and ethnic hatred are all too clear in recent history. It must be avoided. The recent spate of brutal attacks on Baridam and others alike, are alarming indicators of Ogoni’s continuing slide into violence.”
The palace appealed to the Police authority and other security agencies to conduct independent security review, take actions that would help bring a rapid end to the attempted assassination on His Royal Majesty.
“The police must ensure that those responsible for this crime are brought to justice.”
However, the state Police command has confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) in Port Harcourt on Monday.
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Iringe-Koko stated that the command has begun an investigation to unravel and apprehend the persons behind the crime.
She stated: “The Rivers State Police Command has commenced investigation into an attack involving a traditional ruler in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“On Sunday, January 25, 2026, at about 5:30pm, His Royal Majesty, King T.Y. Baridam, the Paramount Ruler of Bangha Community, reported at the Police Station that while returning from Okwale community where he had attended a meeting, his vehicle came under attack by unknown gunmen.
“According to his report, upon reaching Tekar Sogho Road leading to the East–West Road in Khana LGA, the hoodlums emerged from the bush and opened fire on his vehicle, a black Prado Jeep. The gunshots shattered the windscreen and other parts of the vehicle.
“During the attack, the monarch sustained a gunshot injury to his thigh and is currently receiving medical treatment.
“Following the incident, Police patrol teams were swiftly deployed to the area to comb the surroundings and arrest the perpetrators.
“Investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.”
The State Police command assures the public that no stone would be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
It also appealed to the members of the public to remain calm and provide useful information that can aid security agencies in their investigation.
