The Edo State Police Command has launched a full investigation into a fatal accident that claimed the life of a 2-year-old girl.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, around 5:30 PM at the Ring Road area of Benin City.
According to reports, the child was fatally struck by a commercial bus following an altercation between the driver and operatives of the Edo State Public Safety Response (PSR) Team.
Eyewitnesses stated that PSR officers attempted to seize the vehicle’s steering while it was in motion, causing the driver to lose control. The bus veered off the road and crashed into a roadside POS kiosk where the toddler and her mother were standing. The child was killed instantly.
An outraged crowd at the scene confronted the PSR officers before taking them, along with the child’s body, to a nearby police station.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday, Edo State Police spokesperson CSP Moses Joel Iyamu said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the driver, who fled the scene.
“The tragic incident involved a white Vannette bus with registration number BEN 406 YA, which ran into pedestrians while allegedly trying to evade arrest by Edo State Public Safety Response operatives. Sadly, a 2-year-old girl lost her life, while her mother is currently receiving treatment at the hospital,” the statement read.
“Upon receiving reports of the accident, operatives from Esigie Divisional Headquarters, led by the Divisional Traffic Officer, quickly arrived at the scene. A PSR member accused of causing the accident was rescued from an angry mob and taken into custody for investigation. The child’s lifeless body was rushed to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead.
“As part of the ongoing investigation, efforts are being made to locate and arrest the driver. Photographic evidence and other records have been collected to help determine the exact cause of the accident.
“Meanwhile, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, has urged all motorists to obey traffic rules, respect constituted authorities, and exercise patience while driving.
“Every road user has a responsibility to ensure their safety and that of others by adhering to established road safety protocols.”
A witness at the scene called on the state government to address the issue, saying, “A child lost her life today. We want a peaceful state. Our governor should call this group to order. While they have a job to do, it must be done the right way. This tragedy happened at Sakponba Road Junction near Ring Road when a PSR officer tried to wrestle the steering from a driver, leading to the child’s death.”
