Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a prominent non-governmental organization, has strongly condemned the recent assassination attempt on Suanu T.Y. Baridam, the first-class traditional ruler of Bangha in Khana Local Government Area of Ogoniland, Rivers State.

The attack occurred on Sunday along the Ogoni axis of the East–West Road, carried out by unknown gunmen. The Rivers State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

Threat to Traditional Authority and Peace

In a statement, Fyneface Dumnamene, Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, stressed that the attack goes beyond targeting an individual, posing a direct threat to the Bangha Kingdom and the broader Niger Delta region.

He highlighted that such acts undermine the authority of traditional institutions and could destabilize the peace and social cohesion that these institutions help maintain.

Call for Investigation and Enhanced Security

YEAC-Nigeria has urged a thorough and transparent investigation, calling on Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice is served.

The organization also appealed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to guarantee adequate protection for the monarch during recovery and to strengthen security measures for traditional rulers and residents across the state, emphasizing the vital role of safeguarding cultural heritage and community stability.