The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the activities of the Public Safety Response Team, PSRT, in the state.
According to reports, the agency, formerly known as the Public Works Volunteers, PUWO, was founded by the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki and renamed PSRT by the Monday Okpebholo-led government.
Okpebholo appointed Kelly Okungbowa as the head of the agency.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, said the decision to suspend the agency was due to several complaints received by the state government on allegations of extortion, harassment, and unruly behavior by members of the team.
The statement read in part: “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 standards of professionalism, fairness, orderliness, and respect for human dignity,” he said.
DAILY POST recalls that a 2-year-old girl was killed during a scuffle between some officials of PSRT and a commercial driver at the popular Oba Ovoranmwen Square.
The mother of the deceased was said to be in an undisclosed hospital receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, a statement by the Edo State Police Command said it has launched an investigation into the death of the minor in a fatal motor accident during the scuffle.
The command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, said the accident happened on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at about 5:30 p.m. at the Ring Road area of the state capital.
According to him, the tragic incident occurred when a white Vannette bus with registration number BEN 406 YA rammed into some pedestrians, ostensibly to evade arrest by members of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team.
Yamu added that the member of the Public Safety Response Team accused of causing the accident was rescued from a mob and taken into custody for investigation.
He also added that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the driver who fled the scene.
