Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the killing of a 2 years old baby after a bus driver rammed the bus into a group of pedestrians while running away from the Edo State Public Safety Response Team, PSR at the highly populated Ring Road in Benin City, this, the State Coordinator of the PSR, Kelly Okungbowa aka Ebo Stone apologized to the bereaved family and promised to take action against the PSR official who allegedly gave the bus driver a chase.
The Police in a statement on Thursday said the PSR official was almost lynched to death by angry mob but he was rescued due to the quick intervention of the men of the Esigie Police Division.
The Press release signed and made available by the Police Command Spokesperson, Moses Yamu, read in quotes thus: “the Edo State Police Command has initiated full investigation into a fatal motor accident recorded on Wednesday, 12th March, 2025 at about 17:30 hours, at the Ring Road area of Benin-City.
The tragic incident involves 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.
Regrettably, a girl of about 2 years old lost her life while the mother is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
On receipt of the report of the accident, operatives of the Esigie Divisional Headquarters led by the Divisional Traffic Officer swiftly got to the scene to manage the situation, 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.
As part of the ongoing investigation, efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the driver who fled the scene. Other records have been taken as well as pictorial evidence to aid in establishing the cause of the accident.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, urges all motorists to observe all traffic rules, obey constituted authorities and exercise patience while on the road.
Every road user has the responsibility to protect his/her life and that of every other road user by obeying established road safety protocols”, the police stated.
The Edo State Coordinator of the Public Safety Response, Kelly Okungbowa aka Ebo Stone in a press statement issued a few hours ago through his personal facebook account, titled; “Official Condolence Message” said: “I, Comrade Kelly Okungbowa, also known as Ebo Stone, the State Coordinator of the Public Safety Response Unit (PSR), Edo State, deeply regret and mourn the unfortunate loss of a young girl’s life in yesterday’s tragic incident involving a member of my staff and a driver.
With a heavy heart, I extend my sincerest condolences to the grieving family. This is a deeply painful event, and I strongly condemn the actions of those involved.
Their conduct does not reflect the values of the PSR, and I assure the good people of Edo State that this incident will not be taken lightly.
While I cannot be everywhere at all times as the overall coordinator, I take full responsibility for ensuring that necessary reforms are implemented.
As His Excellency, Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, has stated, the PSR team across the state will undergo a complete overhaul.
Moving forward, we will establish better strategies for addressing public concerns and enhancing our service delivery.
Once again, I deeply regret this tragic event. I sincerely apologize to the bereaved family, His Excellency the Governor, members of the State Executive Council, and the entire Edo community for this unfortunate incident.
Thank you all for your continuous support and faith in this administration. Together, we will ensure a safer and more accountable Edo State. Edo will move forward. Amen”, stated and signed by, Kelly Okungbowa aka Ebo Stone, President, PSR Team.