PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA — Gunmen have attacked the palace of the Amadabo of Finima in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The attack occurred during a dispute over cultural rites and masquerade displays in the community.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Aseme Alabo Dagogo Lambert Brown, reportedly escaped the attack.
The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday, August 22. Heavy gunfire was heard around the monarch’s residence between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m.
The attackers reportedly fired several shots at buildings within the palace premises. A vehicle and fences were also reportedly damaged by bullets.
The violence was linked to disagreements surrounding cultural activities in Finima. Reports said the dispute involved cultural rites and masquerade displays.
The situation reportedly became violent before security personnel arrived. Several residents were said to have sustained gunshot wounds and machete injuries.
One victim was reportedly left with severe injuries to his hand. The injured residents were taken to hospitals for treatment.
The monarch was reportedly not at the palace when the gunmen opened fire. Their attack, however, reportedly targeted the building where his living quarters are located.
The attackers allegedly moved through the palace premises while searching for the monarch and members of his household.
The incident caused panic among residents. Some community members reportedly fled to neighbouring areas for safety.
The police later responded to reports of an attack along Amadabo Residence in Finima.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident.
Police said other suspects were still being pursued. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Port Harcourt.
The police described the incident as an alleged assassination attempt. Investigators are working to establish what happened and identify other people involved.
The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.
The dispute has also exposed tensions surrounding cultural authority in the community.
The Finima monarch reportedly accused some traditional authorities in Bonny of complicity. He alleged that outside individuals had been brought into the community to enforce a cultural event.
Those allegations have not been independently established. The Bonny Chiefs Council has rejected claims that it was responsible for the violence.
The council reportedly said no individual or faction had the authority to interfere with recognised cultural activities of another chieftaincy house.
The latest incident has raised concerns about security in Finima. The community has previously experienced disputes involving traditional authority and cultural matters.
Finima is an important community in Bonny Local Government Area. It is also home to major energy infrastructure, including facilities linked to Nigeria LNG.
The community has faced other security and development challenges over the years. In June, its leaders renewed calls for action on longstanding resettlement and host-community issues.
The recent violence has now added another concern for residents.
Community leaders and security agencies are expected to work together to prevent further escalation.
Police investigations are continuing. Authorities are also expected to identify and arrest other suspects linked to the attack.
For residents, the immediate priority is restoring calm.
The attack has disrupted the community’s cultural activities and raised fresh fears about the safety of traditional institutions.
The monarch’s escape has also heightened calls for stronger protection around his residence.
As investigations continue, residents are waiting for authorities to determine what triggered the violence.
They are also seeking accountability for those who fired the shots and injured community members.
For now, one suspect is in police custody while others remain at large.
The incident has left Finima facing an uneasy calm as security agencies investigate the attack and seek to prevent another outbreak of violence.
