Former Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has condemned the alleged violent attack and abduction of his cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, describing the incident as “barbaric, shameful and a grave violation of fundamental human rights.”
Dr. Pedro Obaseki, a veteran journalist and former Managing Director of DAAR Communications, was reportedly abducted on Sunday by armed men at Uwa Primary School in Benin City. According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers assaulted and intimidated him before forcefully taking him to the palace of the Oba of Benin.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Godwin Obaseki said he was shocked and outraged by the incident, which he alleged was carried out by armed thugs acting on the instructions of the palace.
“I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs,” Obaseki said. “It is deeply disturbing that such lawless behaviour could occur in a society governed by the rule of law.”
The former governor described the incident as a reckless disregard for due process and warned against the growing influence of non-state actors in matters of law enforcement.
A video that has since gone viral on social media shows Dr. Pedro Obaseki visibly bruised and allegedly stripped of his clothing while being escorted to the palace by armed men, further fuelling public outrage.
Sources familiar with the incident claimed that the assailants held the victim while awaiting further instructions before his eventual release.
Reacting to the alleged involvement of the palace, Obaseki said he was “shocked and disappointed,” describing the development as both embarrassing and troubling.
“I am surprised that our monarch would stoop so low and allow his hands to be soiled in such an ignoble act. This is not only embarrassing but deeply troubling,” he stated.
Obaseki called on security agencies to immediately launch a thorough, impartial investigation and ensure that all those responsible are held accountable.
He warned that allowing armed thugs and non-state actors to unlawfully exercise power on behalf of influential individuals could lead to chaos and a breakdown of law and order.
“A situation where non-state actors freely take the law into their own hands can only result in a descent into anarchy, which will do no one any good,” he cautioned.
The former governor also appealed to human rights organisations, civil society groups and concerned Nigerians to speak out against what he described as a gross violation of human rights, urging collective action to ensure justice and accountability.
