Dr. Pedro Obaseki, a renowned journalist and former Managing Director of DAAR Communications, was reportedly assaulted at Uwa Primary School. He allegedly endured physical violence, intimidation, and torture before being forcibly taken away.

A widely circulated video on social media appears to show armed men escorting a visibly battered Dr. Pedro, who had reportedly been stripped, to the palace of the Oba of Benin. The footage also captures palace chiefs welcoming the group upon arrival.

Sources familiar with the event claimed that the armed men were acting under the palace’s instructions and were waiting for further orders before releasing the victim.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Obaseki called the incident a serious violation of human rights and a challenge to the rule of law.

He said: “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 of the palace of the Oba of Benin.”

The former governor expressed shock and disappointment over the alleged involvement of the palace in what he described as a disgraceful act.

He added, “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.

“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 organisations, 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.”

ASA