The immediate-past governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has condemned in the strongest terms the violent attack and abduction of his cousin and journalist, Dr. Pedro Obaseki.
In a statement, Obaseki said, “I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by thugs who are said to be acting under instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin.”
Dr Obaseki, a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications PLC and a renowned journalist, was attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he was subjected to physical assault, intimidation, and torture by the thugs before being forcefully taken to the palace.
A viral video circulating on social media shows the thugs taking the brutalised Dr Pedro, who was already stripped of his clothing to the palace, where they were ceremoniously received by some palace chiefs.
Reacting to the development, former Governor Obaseki described the incident as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and a reckless disregard for the rule of law.
While expressing disappointment, he said: “This is not only embarrassing but deeply troubling. 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.”
He further charged, “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.”
