The police command in Rivers has commenced an investigation into a shooting and violent attack on the traditional ruler of Finima Community in Bonny council area.

The Amadabo of Finima community, Bonny, Dagogo Brown, narrowly escaped death when gunmen invaded a cultural masquerader 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 attack in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Ms 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.

Ms Agabe also said that 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 council, Abinye Pepple, condemned the attack and destruction of property.

”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.

Finima community in Bonny Island hosts critical national energy assets, including the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) gas-liquefaction plant (Trains 1 to 7) and Renaissance’s Africa Energy’s Bonny crude oil export terminal.

(NAN)