Benin City, Edo State – More details have emerged about the tragic death of a young girl in Benin City, who was killed in an incident involving members of the Edo State Public Safety Response (PSR) Team.
The child has now been identified as Gift Kelly Osahon, a one-year, seven-month-old girl who died instantly when a commercial bus, whose driver was struggling with PSR operatives, lost control and crashed into a roadside PoS kiosk where she stood with her mother.
Her mother, who sustained injuries in the crash, has been admitted to an undisclosed hospital, where she is recovering from both her wounds and the shock of losing her daughter.
Despite the widespread outrage following the tragedy, Governor Monday Okpebholo has yet to personally respond or issue a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua. However, a statement acknowledging the tragedy was issued by Bugie Okhuemoi, a media aide, expressing condolences on behalf of the state government and promising a review of the PSR team’s operations.
Confirming the incident, CSP Moses Yamu, Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, stated that the tragedy occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. He added that the police have launched an investigation and currently have one of the PSR operatives in custody.
Public anger over the handling of the incident continues to grow. Speaking on the governor’s lack of direct response, an angry commentator said:
“You cannot delegate these things. As governor, it is expected that Okpebholo would pay personal attention to matters like this—especially since it was caused by one of his own officers. A child is dead. He should be there, not hiding behind aides.”
The Police have launched a search for the driver of the bus, who is said to have fled the scene. In Benin on Friday, no PSR officials were seen on patrol. The State Coordinator of the Unit Mr. Kelly Okungbowa (aka Ebo Stone) is yet to issue a statement.