FRSC records 28 deaths in 58 Christmas auto crashes in Kogi

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kogi State Command on Friday said it recorded 58 auto crashes and 28 deaths during the 2023 yuletide travels.

Kogi Sector Commander of the Corps, Cdr Samuel Oyedeji, who disclosed this on Friday in Lokoja said that the casualty figure represented 14 per cent decrease compared to same period in 2022.

He noted however, that there was an increase in RTCs from 50 to 58 adding that there was considerable reduction in the number of persons killed in the road traffic crashes.

Oyedeji said the decrease was as a result of series of measures put in place by the command during the “Operation Zero Tolerance” initiated and executed by the Corps.

”Again, in spite of the high vehicular movement within the state, there was no serious gridlock encountered throughout the period.

“This was also possible through the help of personnel (regular and special marshal) and other security agencies, who helped in the control of traffic at all the critical points identified in the state to ensure free flow of traffic

“It is the command’s wish that things get better day by day through strict compliance with traffic rules and regulations by the motorists plying the highways,” he said.

The Sector Commander added that having rounded off the exercise, the command would not relent in putting in place all corrective measures to curb the motorists excesses to ensure reduction of RTCs on roads in Kogi.

Oyedeji described road safety as a collective responsibility of all Stakeholders as he urged motorists to always obey traffic rules and regulations.

The Sector Commander further enjoined motorists to always exercise patience and show high level of tolerance and consideration for other road users, to ensure a crash-free motoring throughout the year.

He, however, appreciated the general motoring public and the entire populace in Kogi for their cooperation and support, resulting in a successful and seamless conduct of the 2023 end of the year special patrol.

It would be recalled that the command, on December 15, 2023, deployed 800 personnel, 25 patrol vehicles, three ambulances, one heavy duty tow truck, patrolites and other operational equipment for the special exercise that ended on Jan. 18. (Ends)