By Daniel Abia, P/Harcourt

The Chairman of the Khana Traditional Rulers Council, in Rivers state, king Suanu Timothy Baridam, has questioned what he described as attempts to undermine ongoing investigations into the alleged assassination attempt on his life, asking why anyone would oppose efforts to identify and bring his attackers to justice.

In a press statement issued in Port Harcourt Thursday, the monarch responded to allegations by a certain traditional ruler from Taabaa Community who claimed that several residents had been subjected to unwarranted arrests, intimidation, and police harassment in connection with the investigations surrounding the incident.

HRM Baridam dismissed the allegations, insisting that security agencies were merely carrying out their constitutional responsibilities by inviting persons believed to possess information relevant to the investigation.

According to the statement, there is no evidence of mass arrests in Taabaa Community, contrary to claims being circulated in some quarters. He explained that the attack against him occurred along the boundary between Taabaa and Sogho communities, making it necessary for investigators to obtain statements and information from individuals who may assist in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The traditional ruler noted that invitations by the police for questioning should not be misconstrued as persecution or collective victimization, stressing that such procedures are standard investigative practices employed in criminal investigations.

HRM Baridam particularly expressed concern over what he described as repeated media interventions by a certain chief whenever security agencies invited individuals for questioning. He observed that the Chief had not publicly condemned the assassination attempt against him but had instead focused on criticizing investigative activities.

“It raises legitimate questions as to why he appears uncomfortable with efforts aimed at identifying and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Is he merely seeking to frustrate the investigation, or does he possess information that could assist law enforcement authorities in resolving the matter?” the monarch stated.

He emphasized that every responsible community leader should welcome efforts to identify those responsible for an attack that nearly claimed the life of a foremost traditional ruler in Ogoniland and Chairman of the Khana Traditional Rulers Council.

The Bangha monarch further called on residents and stakeholders to cooperate fully with security agencies, noting that communities can only achieve lasting peace when citizens support lawful investigations and efforts aimed at combating criminality.

While reaffirming his confidence in the professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, HRM Baridam expressed optimism that innocent persons would not be wrongfully implicated, while anyone found to be connected to the attempted murder investigation would be made to answer before the law.

He urged members of the public to disregard speculation, media campaigns, and premature conclusions regarding the matter, insisting that the truth can only emerge through proper investigation and due process.

The monarch reiterated his commitment to the rule of law and vowed to continue pursuing justice through lawful and constitutional means until those responsible for the attack are identified and held accountable.