- The Federal Road Safety Corps reports 91 fatalities from three major road crashes in the past month, highlighting avoidable accidents
- Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed calls for strict enforcement of traffic rules and announces a nationwide patrol operation to curb reckless driving
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported that 91 people lost their lives in three major road crashes over the past month. This was revealed by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, during a press briefing in Abuja.
Mohammed highlighted that the tragic crashes occurred in Niger State on September 8, claiming 48 lives, another in Sabon Wuse on September 12, which resulted in 18 fatalities, and a third crash in Kaduna State on September 15, causing 25 deaths.
He stressed that these accidents were avoidable and expressed concern over the recklessness of some drivers despite the government’s efforts to maintain transport facilities.
In response, Mohammed instructed commanding officers to enforce traffic rules around the clock and announced a special patrol operation to be launched nationwide. He emphasized that this action aims to curb reckless behaviour such as speeding, overloading, night trips, and the transportation of flammable substances.
Mohammed expressed hope that these efforts would significantly reduce road accidents by the end of the year, stressing that road crashes threaten public health and require collective action.
Chief Buruche Julius, representing the Luxurious Buses Association, explained that their buses prefer night travel due to less traffic and the poor condition of roads during the day. He claimed that their drivers rarely experience crashes and are regularly trained by the FRSC to prioritize safety.
Meanwhile, Alh. Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), confirmed that tanker drivers are advised to avoid night travel. He acknowledged that road conditions often contribute to accidents but assured that efforts to educate tanker drivers would continue.