Police in manhunt for gunmen that attacked Ogoni monarch

The police in Rivers State said they have launched a manhunt of attackers of an Ogoni monarch.

Suanu Baridam, king of Bengha in Khana LGA of Rivers State was attacked by suspected assassins at 5.30pm last Sunday on his way from Okwale community where he allegedly went to make peace.

The police said the king reported that 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.”

Read also: Ogoni monarch survives gun attack, assassination attempt suspected

Following the incident, the police said 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.”

According to Grace Iringe-Koko, the state police spokesperson, the Command has assured the public that no stone would be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice. “Members of the public are urged to remain calm and provide useful information that can aid security agencies in their investigation.”

The investigation may consider the various threats against the prominent Ogoni monarch from Ken Saro-Wiwa’s area who had once escaped assassination in 2024.

The first class king is said to be recovering in an undisclosed clinic with the gunshot wound.

According to L. C Micah, a professor and titled man in Bengha, who is spokesperson to the monarch, the Kasimene VII, said he suffered severe blood loss.

“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 Nyo khana.

“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.”

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) has joined in calls for police intervention as it strongly condemned the assassination attempt, according to Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the executive director.

“We demand a thorough investigation into the incident and call on the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

He urged the Governor of the State, Siminalayi Fubara, to facilitate the provision of adequate security for the protection of the King on recovery and ensure the safety of all other citizens in the State.

Sources however said the monarch has been in a storm over his support for chieftaincy conferment on one particular prominent personality who may be a topnotch in a local council authority.

Sources mentioned those visibly angry with him including former militants.

No update has been received since Sunday, January 25, 2025 on the manhunt.