A devastating incident on Wednesday evening claimed the life of a two-year-old girl after a commercial bus allegedly struck pedestrians at the bustling Ring Road area of Benin City.
The child’s mother sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving urgent medical attention at a local hospital.
The tragic event occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m., according to CSP Moses Yamu, Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command. Yamu stated that the incident reportedly unfolded when the driver of the “Vannette” bus attempted to evade arrest by members of the Edo State Public Safety Response team.
“Following the accident, an angry mob descended on a member of the public safety response team, accusing him of being responsible for the tragedy.
“However, police operatives from the Esigie Divisional Headquarters swiftly intervened, rescuing the officer and taking him into custody for investigation,” Yamu explained.
The police spokesperson confirmed that a full-scale investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and apprehend the fleeing driver. “Law enforcement officers have also gathered pictorial evidence and other records to determine the exact cause of the crash,” he added.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Betty Otimenyin, issued a statement through CSP Yamu, urging all motorists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities. She emphasized the critical importance of patience on the roads, reminding all road users of their shared responsibility to protect lives by diligently following safety protocols.
“Every road user has a duty to protect lives by adhering to safety protocols,” Yamu quoted Commissioner Otimenyin as saying.
The police command has assured the public that those found responsible for the tragic accident will be brought to justice. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available. The incident has cast a somber mood over Benin City, highlighting the urgent need for heightened road safety awareness and responsible driving practices.
