By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY—Suspected thugs reportedly beat and stripped a media consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Hosamudia Farm, Don Pedro Obaseki, yesterday in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of the immediate past governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, and a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications, was attacked at Uwa Primary School. He was subjected to physical assault and stripped half-naked while at the school, where he had gone to play football, before being forcefully taken away.

There are suggestions that the attack was linked to comments he allegedly made at a former governor’s meet-and-greet in Europe, which some quarters described as critical of the Benin Monarchy.

A viral video showed Pedro Obaseki kneeling half-naked at the Oba Palace gate, while those dragging him told palace guards that he was an Oghion Oba (enemy of the Oba), forcing him to kneel.

Some palace chiefs who addressed the suspected attackers in the Bini language warned that the Oba was on his way to the Holy Arousa Church for a Thanksgiving service to mark the end of the Igue festival. According to one of the chiefs, “Today is Thanksgiving Day at the Holy Arousa. We don’t want any trouble. If there is anybody who considers himself an enemy of the Oba, let him see how he will end up.”

Reacting to the incident, former Governor Obaseki condemned the attack as a grave violation of human rights and a reckless disregard for the rule of law. He said, “I am surprised that such an act could occur in our community. This is not only embarrassing but deeply troubling. I call on security agencies to investigate this matter thoroughly and transparently, identify those responsible, and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law. A situation where individuals appear to take the law into their own hands undermines public order and safety.”

He further urged, “I call on human rights organizations, civil society groups, and all well-meaning Nigerians to speak out firmly against this injustice and gross violation of human rights.”

In a statement, Obaseki reiterated, “I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming, and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed individuals. I call on security agencies to investigate this matter thoroughly and transparently, identify those responsible, and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law”.

 I further 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 right