Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has indefinitely suspended the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) following the tragic death of a two-year-old child caused by the reckless actions of its members.

The suspension, announced in a statement on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, came after mounting complaints of extortion, harassment, and misconduct by the team, which was headed by Kelly Okungbowa.

“The Edo State Government remains committed to upholding law and order and will not tolerate any deviation from the original mandate of the PSRT,” Ikhilor said. “The team was set up to maintain public order, protect public infrastructure, and curb illegal activities—not to harass or endanger lives.”

The controversy surrounding the team reached a boiling point after an altercation between a PSRT member and a commercial bus driver led to a horrifying accident. In a desperate attempt to control the vehicle, a team member allegedly grabbed the steering wheel, causing the bus to veer off and crush the toddler. The child’s mother was also seriously injured in the incident.

Reacting to the tragedy, Governor Okpebholo expressed profound sorrow, calling it a “deeply painful and devastating” loss.

“My heart goes out to the grieving family,” the governor said. “No parent should ever have to endure such unimaginable pain. Justice will be served.”

The statement further assured that a thorough review of the PSRT’s structure and operations would be conducted, including a reassessment of recruitment and training procedures. The government vowed to ensure that all state-sanctioned enforcement agencies uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, and respect for human dignity.