His Royal Majesty, King (Dr.) Suanu Baridam, JP, the Kasimene VII of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom, has survived yet another assassination attempt, intensifying concerns over rising insecurity and violence in parts of Rivers State.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2026, as the monarch was returning from a peace mission in Okwale community. According to reports, gunmen ambushed the King along the OkwaleTaabaa Road, striking him in the thigh and causing severe blood loss.
This attack follows a similar incident on October 5, 2024, when the King was reportedly assaulted in Agbochia, Eleme Local Government Area, in what was described as an unprovoked assassination attempt.
Reacting to the latest incident, Chief (Prof.) Micah, Egamene of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom and spokesperson to the monarch, described the attack as “a dastardly crime against a traditional ruler carrying out his constitutional and traditional responsibility to promote peace.”
He noted that while the attack appeared isolated, it had generated widespread concern and speculation, particularly against the backdrop of tense chieftaincy-related disputes in Nyo Khana.
“It is deeply unfortunate that violence continues to define public perception of Ogoni, when no one would reasonably expect such a calculated attempt on the life of an innocent and courageous monarch,” Micah said, warning that ethnic hatred and violence must be urgently curtailed.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to conduct an independent security review and ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC–Nigeria) has also condemned the attack, describing it as a threat to the traditional institution and regional peace.
Speaking on the issue to our correspondent, YEAC Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, said the assassination attempt occurred along the Ogoni axis of the East–West Road and amounted to a heinous and cowardly act.
“This attack is not only on the person of the King but on the peace of Bangha Kingdom, Khana, Ogoni, and the wider Niger Delta”.
He called on the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to ensure a thorough investigation and urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to provide adequate security for the monarch upon recovery, as well as for other citizens across the state.
Dr Fyneface however expressed solidarity with the monarch and wished him a speedy recovery.
