TENSION heightened in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Sunday after suspected political thugs allegedly assaulted and stripped naked the Chief Executive Officer of Hosamudia Farm, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
News Point Nigeria reports that the incident, which has since sparked widespread outrage, reportedly occurred at Uwa Primary School, where the victim was playing football with friends.
A viral video circulating on social media showed the visibly distressed victim being harassed and surrounded by a group of men believed to be political thugs.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the assailants forcefully abducted Dr. Obaseki from the football field and marched him through parts of the city before taking him to the Oba of Benin’s Palace, where he was allegedly compelled to kneel at the palace gate.
According to sources at the palace, the attackers informed palace guards that they had brought an “Oghion”—loosely translated as an enemy of the Oba to the palace for alleged wrongdoing.
However, palace chiefs who intervened reportedly cautioned the assailants against instigating unrest, especially as the Oba of Benin was on his way to the Holy Arousa Cathedral for a thanksgiving service marking the conclusion of the annual Igue festival, a significant cultural event in the Benin Kingdom.
Speaking in Bini language, one of the chiefs warned the attackers against causing disorder, stressing that the palace would not tolerate violence or intimidation.
“Today is thanksgiving day at the Holy Arousa. We don’t want any trouble. If there is anybody who counts himself as an enemy of the Oba, allow him and see how he will end up,” the chief said.
Despite protests from the assailants, palace officials reportedly took Dr. Obaseki into the palace premises for his safety, effectively preventing a further escalation of the situation.
Reacting strongly to the incident, former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, condemned the attack in a statement, describing it as a gross violation of fundamental human rights and an alarming breakdown of law and order.
He said the assault on his cousin amounted to an unlawful act carried out by non-state actors operating with impunity.
“I strongly condemn the violent attack on my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs. Dr. 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 before being forcefully taken to the palace,” he stated.
The former governor warned that allowing thugs and private enforcers to operate unchecked could plunge the state into chaos.
“A situation where thugs and non-state actors freely take the law into their hands on behalf of high-profile individuals or those in positions of authority can only lead to anarchy. This dangerous trend must be stopped,” Obaseki cautioned.
He further called on security agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the incident and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
In addition, Obaseki appealed to human rights organisations, civil society groups, and concerned Nigerians to speak out against what he described as a disturbing assault on human dignity and the rule of law.
Responding to the public outcry, the Edo State Police Command confirmed awareness of the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the situation had been brought under control.
According to her, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, had intervened and met with the parties involved as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore calm.
She assured residents that the police were handling the matter and reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.