A prominent Ogoni monarch, King Suanu T. Y. Baridam, has narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, raising serious concerns about safety and peace in the region.
On January 25, 2026, while returning from a peace mission in Okwale town, King Baridam, the Kasimene VII of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom situated in the Khana local government area of Rivers State, was ambushed by assailants along the Okwale-Taabaa road. According to a statement released by the palace spokesman, Professor L. C. Micah, the attackers shot the king in the thigh, leading to significant blood loss. This incident marks yet another chapter in a series of violent attempts on his life, with a previous attack occurring on October 5, 2024, in Agbochia, Eleme Local Government Area.
Professor Micah described this latest attack as not only an assault on a king fulfilling his duty to maintain peace but as part of a troubling pattern of violence that threatens the stability of the Ogoni community. He expressed disbelief that members of the Khana people could orchestrate such a heinous act against a leader known for his courage and commitment to peace.
"We have reason to believe this attack is not random but rather indicative of deeper conspiracies rooted in the contentious chieftaincy debates within Nyo Khana," Micah stated. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are held accountable, urging the Rivers State Police Command to conduct a comprehensive security review.
In response, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) also condemned the assassination attempt, asserting that it represents a direct threat to not just King Baridam but to the traditional institutions and communal harmony within the Niger Delta. Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, called for immediate action from law enforcement to ensure the safety of the monarch and all citizens.
Fyneface urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to prioritize adequate security measures for the king during his recovery and beyond. This alarming trend of violence against leaders like King Baridam raises critical questions about the future of governance and peace in the region. How can communities foster dialogue and unity when such devastating acts of aggression occur? What steps should be taken to ensure the safety of those who seek to lead with integrity? As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for both authorities and the public to engage in discussions about the underlying issues fueling this violence.
