His Royal Majesty, King Suanu T.Y. Baridam, the Paramount Ruler of Bangha Kingdom and a prominent first-class traditional ruler in Ogoni, has narrowly escaped an assassination attempt after gunmen ambushed his convoy in the Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, 25 January 2026, as the monarch was returning from a peace mission and official engagement in the Okwale community.
The attack took place along the Tekar Sogho Road, a vital artery linking the interior communities to the East-West Road. According to eyewitnesses and palace sources, the assailants emerged from the surrounding bush between Taabaa Junction and Sogho, attempting to intercept the monarch’s black Toyota Prado Jeep.
When the driver refused to halt the vehicle, the gunmen opened fire, shattering the windscreen and several windows. In the ensuing barrage:
King Baridam sustained a serious gunshot wound to his thigh, while the driver also suffered injuries during the attack.
Both victims were immediately evacuated to a medical facility in Port Harcourt, where they are currently receiving treatment. Reports from the hospital indicate the monarch is in stable condition, though he suffered significant blood loss.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the assault in a statement issued on Monday. The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that patrol teams were swiftly deployed to the Sogho axis to comb the area for the perpetrators.
“The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident and will leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice,” the statement read.
While the motive remains under investigation, palace spokesperson Professor L.C. Micah described the event as a “calculated attempted murder,” noting that this is the second time in just over a year that King Baridam has survived a targeted attack. A previous attempt on his life was recorded in October 2024 in the Eleme Local Government Area.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the Ogoni region, prompting strong condemnations from local leaders and advocacy groups. Mr. Thomas Bariere, Chairman of the Khana Local Government Council, denounced the violence, asserting that it was an attempt by criminal elements to “instil fear and disrupt the economic stability” of the area.
Similarly, the Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State Police Commissioner to enhance security for traditional institutions, describing the attack as an “affront to the peace of the Niger Delta.”
