By Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN – THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, yesterday appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ogbonna Onovo, to probe the death of a 35-year-old commercial bus driver in Benin City, Osarere Odia, who was allegedly died as a result of injuries he sustained from beating received from persons whom the family claimed were officials of the state Task Force on demolition of illegal buildings set up by the state government.

Osarere, a father of two, died at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) last Thursday, following a deep head injury he allegedly sustained during a fight with members of the taskforce on demolition.

But reacting to the incident yesterday, the state government in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Mr John Mayaki, absolved the state government and its agents from the death of Osarere, who was said to be an executive council member of the state Drivers Welfare Association.

The statement said that Osasere received the beating from a fellow driver who was arrested but was latter released on bail by the police in New Benin.