Governor Monday Okpebholo at the leadership clinic conducted for selected secondary schools in Benin City, Edo State.

By Jethro Ibileke 

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered the indefinite suspension of the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) headed by Kelly Okungbowa.

A statement on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, said the decision the suspension followed several complaints received by the State Government on allegations of extortion, harassment and unruly behaviour by members of the Team.

The statement assured that 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: to help maintain public order, assist in protecting public infrastructure, and curb illegal activities like street trading and illegal parking in our communities.

It added that a thorough review of the Team’s structure and operations, particularly recruitment processes and personnel training, 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.

It would be recalled that the reckless conduct of members of the team led to the crushing of a two-year-old toddler to death and her mother seriously injured when one of them dragged the steering wheel with a bus driver.

Meanwhile, Governor Monday Okpebholo has expressed sadness over the tragic loss of the toddler.

He described the incident as very deeply painful and devastating.

The Governor, in a statement, extended his most sincere condolences to the grieving family if the deceased.