Popular comedian, Francis Agoda (I go dye) has the intervention of veteran comedian, Ali Baba to thank for saving his life on Tuesday as military men on guard at the Warri township stadium venue of Uduaghan re-run campaign almost beat life out of him and his compatriot, Ogus Baba. According to an eyewitness, the incident occurred when the two comedians allegedly attempted to force their way past the stern-looking soldiers into the stadium. The source added that the security men, who did not care about their identity, ordered them to retreat or be dealt with.
Before the two entertainers could make up their minds to withdraw from the gate, the soldiers descended on them. It took the timely intervention of Ali Baba, (who threatened to stop the show) for ‘I go dye’ to be released by his tormentors. By then, he was already reeling in agony, with blood all over him from the slashes of the horsewhips. The other comedian, Ogus Baba, who showed some bravery by attempting to save his fellow comedian from the horsewhips of the angry soldiers, was not spared either as he also got his share of the flogging. He was said to have been so badly battered that he had to be rushed to an undisclosed clinic for treatment.
Also touched by the brutality of the soldiers was a personal aide of ‘I go dye’ whose name could not be identified, and another popular comedian, ‘I Go Save’, who got some bruises on his arms and legs.
Paid to perform
In a telephone conversation, the Warri-born comedian, Mr Agoda said he came to the stadium with his entourage with the intention of performing on the stage as he had been paid by the organisers of the event.
“On getting into the stadium, I was accosted by one of the soldiers and in an attempt to answer him, the other soldier unexpectedly slapped me from behind. The most annoying thing about the whole incident was that when I tried to explain to their superior officer, a colonel, the former soldier shoved me aside and immediately, other soldiers descended on me, beating the living daylight out of me,” Mr Agoda said.
He was later treated by the medical team at the stadium after being rescued from the soldiers by Ali Baba, who condemned the act of the uniformed men...
Mr Agoda has demanded for a public apology from the military for violating his “fundamental human right.” “This must be published in national newspapers,” he said.
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