By NewsMata
Following Wednesday’s killing of a toddler in Benin City, Edo State, in which the state’s Public Safety Response (PSR) Team was allegedly complicit, Governor Monday Okpebholo has ordered an indefinite suspension of the outfit headed by Kelly Okungbowa, aka Ebo Stone.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that the two-year-old girl was killed when two officials of the PSR team were engaged in a struggle with the driver of a commercial bus for the steering over alleged traffic infraction. The driver reportedly lost control and rammed into the kiosk of a point of sale (POS) operator where the kid was standing with her mother killing her instantly.
The state police command has launched a manhunt for the driver of the bus.
Governor Okpebholo, in a swift reaction on Thursday, expressed “profound sorrow” over the incident and extended his “deepest condolences” to the bereaved family.
Governor Okpebholo ordered immediate and thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Barely 24 hours after, the government announced the suspension of the team in a statement on Friday evening signed by the secretary to the state government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.
The statement read:
“It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has ordered the indefinite suspension of the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) 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”.