Gunmen have attacked the palace of the traditional ruler of Finima Community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, leaving several residents injured and properties damaged.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday when the assailants reportedly stormed the community during a cultural masquerade display and opened fire around the palace of the Amadabo of Finima, His Royal Highness Dagogo Brown.
The monarch reportedly escaped unhurt as the attackers allegedly shot sporadically and went on to destroy property in the area.
The violence was said to have erupted following disagreements over cultural rites, masquerade displays and the rights of different families to perform certain traditional activities.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, said an investigation had commenced to identify and apprehend those behind the attack.
Agabe, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in Port Harcourt, said normalcy had been restored to the community.
She disclosed that one of the suspected gang members had been arrested and was assisting the police with useful information that could lead to the arrest of other suspects.
“Investigation is ongoing into the matter, while one of the gang members has been arrested,” Agabe said.
She added that security operatives were making efforts to apprehend other members of the group who remained at large.
Although no death was recorded, several residents reportedly sustained gunshot wounds and machete injuries during the clash.
Following the attack, police operatives were deployed to the community to restore peace and prevent further violence.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, Abinye Pepple, condemned the attack and the destruction of property.
Pepple called for an impartial investigation into the incident, warning that those found responsible would be brought to justice regardless of their status.
He urged residents who had fled the community to return home, while appealing to them to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding.
The council chairman also assured residents that security personnel had been deployed to safeguard lives and property and maintain peace in the community.
Finima, located on Bonny Island, hosts key national energy infrastructure, including the Nigeria LNG gas liquefaction plant, comprising Trains 1 to 7, as well as Renaissance Africa Energy’s Bonny crude oil export terminal.