A popular monarch in Nigeria’s oil-rich region narrowly escaped death on Sunday January 25th, 2026.
The Ogoni monarch, King Suanu T. Y. Baridam of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, reportedly survived an alleged assassination attempt.
The spokesman of the King’s palace, Prof L. C Micah disclosed details of the attempted attack on the monarch.
He said; “On Saturday, October 5, 2024, there was an unprovoked assassination attempt on him in Agbochia, Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, an ugly incident that raised serious concern on our peaceful coexistence in Rivers State.”
“Again, Sunday, January 25, 2026, another attempt on the King was made while returning from a peace mission in Okwale town.”
“Along Okwale-Taabaa road, assassins ambushed and struck him forcibly in the thigh and he suffered severe blood loss.”
“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 by-product 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 HRM, King (Dr.) Suanu T. Y. Baridam JP and others alike, are alarming indicators of Ogoni’s continuing slide into violence.”
“The police must ensure that those responsible for this crime are brought to justice.”
