The death of a female Point of Sale (PoS) operator on Monday morning in Berger, Abuja, has reignited concerns over pedestrian safety and the dangers of high-speed chases in the nation’s capital.
Eyewitnesses said the woman was crossing the road near the Total filling station after buying food when a commercial bus, fleeing from Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials, struck her. She was thrown across the road and died before police arrived. Neither the bus driver nor the FRSC vehicle stopped.
“This happens too often,” said Johnson, a local resident. “The streets feel unsafe. Pedestrians have to watch not just the traffic, but also buses and patrol vehicles moving at high speed. People shouldn’t have to fear being killed while crossing the road.”
High-Speed Chase Culture
Residents described a pattern of reckless chases in the area, particularly involving commercial vehicles. While such pursuits are intended to enforce the law, experts warn they often create more danger for ordinary citizens than they solve.
“High-speed chases through busy areas put lives at risk,” said a traffic safety advocate. “We need protocols that protect both pedestrians and officers. Chasing a bus at top speed on a crowded street is a recipe for tragedy.”
Calls for FRSC Accountability
The FRSC has launched an investigation into the incident. FCT Sector Commander Felix Theman said all patrol teams in the central zone have been recalled to determine whether any of their vehicles were involved.
“We are reviewing reports and video evidence to establish the facts,” Theman said. “If any of our vehicles were part of the incident, we will take appropriate action. High-speed chases in populated areas must follow strict safety procedures.”
Residents and civil society groups are now calling for greater accountability and stricter enforcement of pedestrian safety rules. “We need the authorities to acknowledge the risks and ensure such tragedies don’t repeat,” said one local community leader.
Monday’s incident serves as a stark reminder of the hazards that pedestrians face daily in Abuja, where the combination of busy streets, high-speed vehicles, and aggressive enforcement tactics can turn ordinary crossings into life-threatening situations.
Abuja Pedestrians at Risk as High-Speed Chases Turn Deadly
