By Newsmata
It was a gory and pathetic sight on Wednesday evening at the Ring Road area of Benin City, Edo State, when a two-year-old girl died instantly when her head was smashed in an accident caused by officials of the state’s Public Safety Response (PSR) team who engaged the bus driver in a struggle for the steering over an alleged traffic infraction.
The unfortunate killing of the kid sparked outrage in the state and raised fresh concerns over the crude behaviours of revenue agents, and personnel of the PSR.
The state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has however 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.
According to an eyewitness, tragedy struck when the officials attempted to seize the steering wheel of the moving vehicle, causing the driver to lose control.
The bus was said to have veered off the road and rammed into a roadside point-of-sale (POS) kiosk where the little girl and her mother were standing killing her instantly.
The eyewitness, who spoke in pidgin English, said, “She no get chance run. The bus throw her and her mama against the concrete slabs, but na only she die. It was terrible.”
In his own account, another eyewitness did not give his name, said, “the Public Safety Response personnel alighted form their vehicle and tried to force themselves into the commercial bus.
“The bus driver maneuvered and tried to escape but the taskforce officials held on to his steering. The steering scuffle continued while the bus was still on motion. In the ensuing confusion, the driver lost control and rammed into a toddler who was standing beside her mother’s wares on the roadside.
“The vehicle smashed the toddler’s head on the concrete floor, while her mother escaped death by the whisker”.
Angry crowd at the scene reportedly descended on the PSR operatives, beating them severely before taking them to a nearby police station, along with the child’s lifeless body.
Reacting to the incident, President of Talakawa parliament, Marxist Kola Edokpayi, condemned the activities of officials of the PSR and called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to rein them in.
Edokpayi said: “As a father with kids, I am pained seeing the untimely death of the toddler. The recklessness of these supposed public safety officials is worrisome.”
The Edo State Police Command however said in a statement on Thursday that it had initiated full investigation into the fatal accident which it stated involved a white Vannette bus with registration number BEN 406 YA “ramming into some pedestrians, ostensibly to evade arrest by members of the Edo State Public Safety Response.”
According to the police public relations officer, PPRO, Moses Joel Yamu, chief superintendent of police, (CSP) “a girl of about 2-year-old lost her life while the mother is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
“A member of the Public Safety Response accused of causing the accident was rescued from a mob and taken into custody for investigation.
“The lifeless body of the child was rushed to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead.” The police spokesman said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest the driver who he said fled the scene.
Yamu quoted the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Otimenyin, as “urging motorists to observe all traffic rules, obey constituted authorities and exercise patience while on the road.”
Meanwhile, in a statement by the state government signed by Bugie Okhuemoi, Special Adviser to the governor on Media & Publicity, Governor Okpebholo appealed to Edo residents to remain calm and patient as the government “swiftly addresses this issue with urgency and sincerity”.
Okhuemoi explained that the PSR Team was originally established to maintain public order, safeguard public infrastructure, and curb illegal activities such as street trading and unauthorised parking but regretted however that “growing concerns have been raised by residents regarding some of its operational procedures”.
He said to address these concerns, the Edo State Government would undertake a comprehensive review of the PSR Team’s structure and operations, with particular focus on:
“Personnel Recruitment & Training: Ensuring officers are properly vetted and trained in ethical law enforcement; Operational Scope & Authority: Defining clear guidelines on the team’s functions and limitations; and Engagement Procedures: Establishing protocols that prioritize public safety, respect for human rights, and professionalism”.
He said, “This review aims to enhance the efficiency and accountability of the PSR Team, aligning its operations with best practices that uphold justice and human dignity”.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to public safety, Okhuemoi said “Governor Okpebholo reaffirms his administration’s stance against any form of misconduct by government agents. The government will not tolerate actions that disrespect, dehumanize, or endanger the lives of Edo State residents. Governance must serve the people, not bring them harm, and the administration is taking decisive steps to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
“The governor appeals to all Edo residents to remain calm and patient as the government swiftly addresses this issue with urgency and sincerity. Citizens are encouraged to report any grievances or concerns regarding security operations, as their input will be invaluable in reforming public safety measures across the state”.
While assuring Edo people of his administration’s commitment “to upholding justice, ensuring transparency, and prioritizing the welfare of all residents”, Governor Okpebholo promised that “Further updates on the investigation and policy reforms will be communicated in due course”.
Many concerned citizens have advocated a return to the cashless, digitized revenue collection system implemented by the previous administration, which operated without deploying street enforcers.
According to one of the sympathisers at the scene, “This is not just an accident. It’s what happens when the government hands over revenue collection to untrained thugs instead of using a proper system. This could have been anyone’s child.”