A little girl of about 2 -years of age was on Wednesday evening crushed to death by a commercial driver whose steering wheel was being dragged by officers of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team ( PSR) at the Ring Road , Benin City.
An eyewitness at the scene, who does not want his name in print described the chaotic struggle between the commercial bus driver and two members of the PSR team. According to him , the agents attempted to seize the steering wheel of the moving vehicle, causing the driver to lose control. The bus veered off the road and slammed into a roadside POS kiosk where the young girl and her mother were standing, killing the child instantly.
He said, the bus throw her and her mother against the concrete slabs.
The enraged crowd at the scene reportedly turned on the PSR operatives, beating them before taking them, along with the child’s lifeless body, to a nearby police station.
A Human rights activists and eyewitness , Marxist Kola Edokoayi condemned the act and pleaded with the government to educate the personnel on how best to do their work, and not use 16th century method in the 21st century environment.
He said , “What happened this evening, for someone who is a father or mother . We know how difficult it is for a woman to carry a baby for 9- months and put to bed. We don’t gain anything from the government, no water, no road, we provide everything for ourselves, and that is why this woman came out to hustle , at least to have something to take home. But the carelessness of some Public Safety Response officials cause the death of this little child. You saw a driver, driving against traffic, you should have collected his particulars and probably serve him paper tomorrow, but you are using 16th century method to solve 21st century problem. He was dragging the steering wheel with the driver, those around you are not safe, you are not safe as well. I know this is not what government sent them to do. When , they were told to clear Ihama off those selling hard drugs, they didit and we commended them , but what they have done is public nuisance, not public safety. I am a father, I know how the father will feel , look at the grandmother, they are holding her here. The responsibility of the government is to protect the citizens, but look at what has happened. We condemned this by all ramifications. ” He said.
Reacting, the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo through a statement signed by the Governor’s Official Spokesperson,
Bugie Okhuemoi , said the
Edo State Governor is saddened by the tragic loss of a young child in Benin City , following an unfortunate incident involving members of the Public Safety Response (PSR) Team.
The Statement said.
The Edo State Governor , Monday Okpebholo is a deeply pained by the devastating event, and the governor extends his most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the grieving family. No parent should have to endure such an unimaginable loss, and he shares in their sorrow during this difficult time. Governor Okpebholo has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident. The government will ensure that anyone found responsible is held fully accountable, as no life should ever be lost due to negligence or recklessness.
The PSR Team was set up to help maintain public order, assist in protecting public infrastructure, and to help curb illegal activities like street trading and illegal parking in our communities; but we recognize the growing concerns raised by residents regarding some of its procedures. In response, the government will conduct a comprehensive review of the team’s structure and operations, particularly in the areas of personnel recruitment, the scope of its authority, and its engagement procedures with the public.
“This review is aimed at ensuring that all government-sanctioned activities reflect the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, and respect for human dignity.
“Governor Okpebholo and his administration will not tolerate any action by government agents that disrespects, dehumanizes, or endangers the lives of the people of Edo State. Governance must serve the people, not bring them harm, and the government is taking decisive steps to ensure that this kind of tragedy never happens again.
“The governor appeals to all Edo residents to remain calm as the government works to address this issue with urgency and sincerity.” He said.
