The king of the ancient Bangha Kingdom in Khana Local Council of Rivers State, His Royal Majesty Suanu Baridam, has escaped death after he was shot by gunmen on Sunday.

The first-class monarch was attacked between Taabaa Junction and Sogho while returning from an engagement in Okwale community, Khana Local Council.

It was gathered that the gunmen ambushed his vehicle and attempted to stop it, but the driver reportedly refused to comply. The assailants were said to have opened fire, injuring the monarch in the leg, while the driver also sustained gunshot wounds. The traditional ruler is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt.