Gunmen attack Rivers monarch’s palace during cultural festival

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The Rivers State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a shooting and violent attack on the traditional ruler of Finima Community in Bonny Local Government Area of the state.

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The Amadabo of Finima Community, Bonny, HRH Dagogo Brown, narrowly escaped death when gunmen invaded a cultural masquerade display and shot sporadically at his palace.

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The attackers also allegedly destroyed property and injured several residents during the incident on Saturday.

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The violence reportedly followed a dispute over cultural rites, masquerade displays and the right of families to perform certain traditional activities.

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The police spokesperson in Rivers, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria in Port Harcourt on Monday.

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Agabe said normalcy had been restored to the community, adding that the command had commenced an investigation into the incident.

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She said the investigation was aimed at identifying and arresting those responsible for the attack.

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“Investigation is ongoing into the matter, while one of the gang members has been arrested,” she said.

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According to her, the arrested suspect was providing useful information to assist the investigation.

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Agabe also said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspected members of the gang who remained at large.

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The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday after disagreements relating to cultural identity and masquerade displays escalated into violence.

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Although no death was recorded, several residents reportedly sustained gunshot wounds and machete cuts during the incident.

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A detachment of police operatives was subsequently deployed to the area to restore order.

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Reacting, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, Mr Abinye Pepple, condemned the attack and destruction of property.

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Pepple expressed concern over the incident and called for an impartial investigation to prevent further escalation.

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“The council assures that anyone involved in this dastardly act will face justice, no matter their position or status,” he said.

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He appealed to residents who fled the community to return home and remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding.

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The council chairman also assured residents that security operatives had been deployed to protect lives and property and maintain peace in the community.

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NAN reports that Finima Community on Bonny Island hosts critical national energy assets, including the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) gas liquefaction plant (Trains 1 to 7) and Renaissance Africa Energy’s Bonny crude oil export terminal. (NAN)

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