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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the indefinite suspension of the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) headed by Kelly Okungbowa.
A statement by Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq, yesterday, said “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”, the statement added.
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It was however learnt that the suspension of the PSRT may not be unconnected with the death of a two-year-old girl who was crushed to death Wednesday evening at the King’s Square (Ring Road) in Benin City by a commercial driver whose steering wheel was being dragged by officials of the government agency.
Officials of the PSRT were said to have attempted to seize the steering wheel of the moving vehicle, causing the driver to lose control and veered off the road and slammed into a roadside POS kiosk where the young girl and her mother were standing, killing the child instantly.
The bus reportedly threw the toddler and her mother against the concrete slabs.
The incident has elicited outrage from members of the public, even Governor Okpebholo has expressed sadness over the death of the child and commiserated with the family.
