Human rights watchdog Amnesty International and the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have issued strong condemnations following the alleged violent abduction and public humiliation of Dr Don Pedro Obaseki, a cousin to former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
A Brutal Attack on a Football Field
The incident occurred on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Benin City. According to reports, dozens of youths, suspected to be political thugs, targeted the media personality and filmmaker at a football field located within Uwa Primary School in the Igbesamwen area.
The assailants allegedly abducted Don Pedro Obaseki, attacked him, and stripped him naked. He was then subjected to further humiliation by being dragged through the streets. The attack was reportedly motivated by comments he made at a previous public gathering.
Amnesty International's Stern Rebuke
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook pages, Amnesty International Nigeria described the act as barbaric and unlawful. The organization expressed deep concern over the complete disregard for due process and human dignity displayed in the incident.
"Amnesty International strongly condemns the barbaric and unlawful abduction and humiliation of Pedro Obaseki," the statement read. It detailed that after being stripped, he was dragged through the streets while the mob chanted death songs and carried arms, forcing Obaseki to beg for his life in tears.
The group emphasized that the viral video of the event shows a chilling disregard for human dignity. They have called on the Nigerian Police Force to launch an immediate investigation to ensure all perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.
PDP Distances Benin Culture from the Act
Adding its voice to the outrage, the Edo State PDP released a separate statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Dan Osa-Ogbegie. The party was unequivocal in stating that the conduct of the attacking youths does not reflect the character or values of the Benin people.
The statement highlighted that Benin civilization is historically renowned for dignity, restraint, order, and respect for human worth. It labeled the perpetrators as hooligans who are a disgrace to the culture they claim to represent, asserting that they neither speak for nor embody the true spirit of Benin.
Both institutions have positioned the attack not just as a criminal act but as an affront to civilized society and the esteemed cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
