Police launch manhunt as gunmen attack monarch in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation following a gunmen attack on the convoy of His Royal Majesty, King T.Y. Baridam, the paramount Ruler of Bangha Kingdom. Daily Trust gathered that the gunmen emerged from the bush on Sunday and opened fire on the monarch’s vehicle along the East-West Road as he was […]

The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation following a gunmen attack on the convoy of His Royal Majesty, King T.Y. Baridam, the paramount Ruler of Bangha Kingdom.
Daily Trust gathered that the gunmen emerged from the bush on Sunday and opened fire on the monarch’s vehicle along the East-West Road as he was returning from a meeting in the Okwale community, leaving him wounded.
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed in a statement on Monday that the monarch is currently receiving medical treatment.
She said: “The Rivers State Police Command has commenced an investigation into an attack involving a traditional ruler in the Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“On Sunday, January 25, 2026, at about 5:30 pm, His Royal Majesty, King T.Y. Baridam, the Paramount Ruler of Bangha Kingdom, reported at the station that while returning from Okwale where he had attended a meeting, his vehicle came under attack by unknown gunmen.
“According to the report, upon reaching the Tekar Sogho Road leading to the East–West Road in Khana LGA, hoodlums emerged from the bush and opened fire on his vehicle, a black Prado Jeep. The gunshots shattered the windscreen and damaged other parts of the vehicle.
“During the attack, the monarch sustained a gunshot injury to his thigh and is currently receiving medical treatment.
“Following the incident, police patrol teams were swiftly deployed to the area to comb the surroundings and arrest the perpetrators. An investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.”