A cultural event in Finima Community, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, reportedly turned violent on Saturday after armed men attacked the palace of the community’s traditional ruler.
The Amadabo of Finima, HRH Dagogo Brown, reportedly escaped unharmed when the attackers invaded the area where a masquerade display was taking place and fired several shots around his palace.
The incident allegedly left some residents injured and led to the destruction of property.
The violence was linked to disagreements over cultural practices, masquerade activities and which families had the authority to carry out certain traditional rites.
Confirming the development on Monday, Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the command had opened an investigation into the incident.
She said calm had returned to the community and disclosed that one suspect had already been arrested.
“Investigation is ongoing into the matter, while one of the gang members has been arrested,” she said.
Agabe added that the suspect was cooperating with investigators and providing information that could help security operatives track down other members of the group.
She said the police were also working to arrest the remaining suspects who were still at large.
The clash reportedly began after disagreements surrounding cultural identity and masquerade displays escalated, resulting in the attack.
Although no life was lost, several people were said to have suffered injuries from gunshots and machete attacks.
Police personnel were later sent to the community to restore order and prevent further violence.
The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, Abinye Pepple, denounced the attack and the destruction that followed.
Pepple urged authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, stressing the need to prevent the dispute from escalating further.
“The council assures that anyone involved in this dastardly act will face justice, no matter their position or status,” he said.
He also appealed to residents who had fled the community to return and remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding.
According to him, security operatives had been deployed to protect residents and property while maintaining peace in the area.
Finima, located on Bonny Island, hosts important energy facilities, including the Nigeria LNG gas liquefaction plant and Renaissance Africa Energy’s Bonny crude oil export terminal.