Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has indefinitely suspended the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) following widespread complaints about the group’s conduct. The decision came after a tragic incident on Wednesday that led to the death of a two-year-old girl in Benin City.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at Ring Road when PSRT officers tried to seize the steering wheel of a moving bus. The driver, struggling to maintain control, lost grip of the vehicle, which then veered off the road and crashed into a roadside POS kiosk. The young girl and her mother were standing nearby when the accident happened, and the child was killed instantly.
An angry crowd at the scene reportedly attacked the PSRT officers involved, beating them before dragging them, along with the child’s body, to a nearby police station.
In response to the outcry, Governor Okpebholo, through a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Umar Ikhilor, announced the suspension of the safety team.
The statement read, “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the indefinite suspension of the Public Safety Response Team headed by Kelly Okungbowa.
“This decision is occasioned by several complaints received by the State Government on allegations of extortion, harassment, and unruly behaviour by members of the team.
“The government remains committed to upholding law and order and will not tolerate any deviation from the original purpose for which the team was set up, which is to help maintain public order, assist in protecting public infrastructure, and curb illegal activities like street trading and illegal parking in our communities.
“A thorough review of the team’s structure and operations, particularly recruitment processes and training of its personnel, will be conducted to ensure that all government-sanctioned activities in the state reflect the highest standard of professionalism, fairness, orderliness, and respect for human dignity.”
