The Rivers State Police Command has opened an investigation into an attempted assassination of the Paramount Ruler of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom, Khana Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, King Suanu Baridam.
The monarch was reportedly attacked on Sunday evening along Tekar Sogho Road in Khana while travelling to Port Harcourt.
He was said to have sustained a gunshot injury and was rushed to a private health facility, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The incident, described as the second attempt on the life of the traditional ruler, has heightened anxiety among leaders of the Ogoni ethnic nationality in the state.
Confirming the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the command had launched a full-scale investigation and deployed operatives to track down those responsible.
Iringe-Koko explained that the monarch reported the incident at a police station, stating that the attack occurred at about 5:30pm on January 25, 2026, while he was returning from a meeting in Okwale community.
According to her, the assailants reportedly emerged from nearby bushes upon reaching Tekar Sogho Road leading to the East–West Road and opened fire on the monarch’s black Prado SUV, shattering the windscreen and damaging other parts of the vehicle.
She added that King Baridam sustained a gunshot wound to his thigh during the attack.
The police spokesperson said tactical teams had been mobilised to comb the area in search of the gunmen, assuring residents that the command would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.