The traditional ruler of Bangha Kingdom in Khana local government of Rivers State, King Suanu Baridam, has declared that operatives of the state police command were not carrying out any mass arrest in Taabaa community in the kingdom.
The traditional ruler of Taabaa community, Chief Prosper Neeuwe, had alleged that 15 members of the area were on police wanted list following assassination attempt on the Bangha monarch.
But, Baridam, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, insisted that security agencies were merely carrying out their constitutional responsibilities by inviting persons believed to possess information relevant to the investigation.
He 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.
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.
“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,” he said
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.
Baridam, who particularly expressed concern over what he described as repeated media interventions by HRH Chief M.S.K. Nule whenever security agencies invited individuals for questioning, observed that Chief Nule 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 confidence 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.
