Gunmen Attack Finima Monarch During Cultural Festival

On Saturday, armed men attacked the traditional ruler of Finima Community, HRH Dagogo Brown, during a cultural masquerade event in Bonny Local Government Area, resulting in multiple residents being wounded and property damage. The assailants fired indiscriminately towards the palace, but no fatalities were reported.

Police spokesperson ASP Blessing Agabe confirmed the incident and stated that one suspect had been arrested and was cooperating with investigators. The police have initiated an investigation to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the attack, which is believed to stem from long-standing tensions over cultural identity and disputes regarding masquerade displays.

Mr Abinye Pepple, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, condemned the violence and urged displaced residents to return home, assuring them of increased security measures to prevent further incidents. Finima Community is located on Bonny Island, which is home to significant energy installations, including the Nigeria LNG gas liquefaction plant.