Ali Fawaz, a Lebanese businessman based in Benin, has appealed to Governor Godwin Obaseki and security agencies after surviving an attack on Saturday by suspected land grabbers at his business premises.
Two people were seriously injured when the attack occurred at the office premises on Ogbomo Street, off Sapele Road, in Etete, Benin City.
The Lebanese was assaulted alongside some workers who were constructing a perimeter fence for lockup shops on his property.
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Residents in the area took to their heels in fear of being attacked or hit by stray bullets as a result of the attack.
“I am appealing to Governor Godwin Obaseki and security agencies to put a stop to the activities of hoodlums who parade themselves as community leaders in order to unleash mayhem on the people,” Fawaz said.
I’m still reeling from what happened here. The suspect who led the attack arrived with armed thugs and demolished the blocks my workers had built, where I had planned to build an additional gate and lock-up shops.
He threatened to shoot anyone who tried to stop him from calling me a foreigner and said he would deal with me.
I had previously reported the incident to the Etete New Police Station. The suspect had boasted about being untouchable.
I am requesting that Governor Obaseki and the relevant government officials please come to my rescue.
I am a law-abiding citizen who has contributed my fair share to the growth of this state. By naturalization, I am a citizen of this country. I need protection from these heinous thugs.”
SP Bello Kontongs, spokesman for the Police Command in Edo, confirmed the report and said two suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack.
One of the suspects detained and arrested at the new Etete Police Station claimed ownership of a plot of land on the premises and demanded a “settlement fee” from the Lebanese, which the latter refused.
