Gunmen attack Rivers monarch’s palace during cultural festival

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)