Ex-Edo gov talks tough over attack on Pedro Obaseki, urges security agencies to act

Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has condemned the attack on his cousin, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, who was reportedly assaulted by youths suspected to be thugs in Benin City.

Dr. Pedro was allegedly attacked on Sunday while playing football at Uwa Primary School in the Igbesamwan area of the state capital. He was said to have been stripped and forcefully taken to the palace of the Oba of Benin following the incident.

In a statement issued on Sunday and made available to journalists, Obaseki called on security agencies to promptly investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

He described the attack as a serious breach of fundamental human rights and an affront to the rule of law, expressing concern over what he termed a dangerous precedent.

The former governor also voiced disappointment over the alleged involvement of the palace, saying the development was embarrassing and deeply troubling.

“I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs who are said to be acting under instructions from the highly placed institution.

“Dr Pedro Obaseki, a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications and a renowned journalist, was attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he was subjected to physical assault, intimidation, and torture by the armed thugs before being forcefully taken to the palace.

“A viral video circulating on social media shows the armed thugs taking the brutalised Dr Pedro who was already stripped of his clothing to the palace.

“I call on security agencies to immediately investigate this matter thoroughly and transparently, identify those responsible for this barbaric act and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law.

“A situation where thugs and non-state actors appear to freely take the law into their own hands on behalf of high-profile individuals and those in positions of authority can only result in one outcome, a degeneration into a state of anarchy, which will do no one no good.

“I urge human rights organizations, civil society groups, and all well-meaning Nigerians to lend their voices and speak out firmly against this injustice and gross violation of human rights,” Obaseki said.