***Arrests 222 trailers loaded with 3,169 human passengers in 3 months.
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kogi State Sector Command has deployed over 500 Personnel, 17 patrol vehicles and other logistics to ensure hitch-free vehicular movements and zero crash during and after the Eid-El-Kabir festivities.
Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this at a press conference organized on his behalf by the Kogi Sector Commander of the Corps, Commander Samuel S. Oyedeji in Lokoja.
The Corps Marshal identified most recent challenges confronting safe use of highways to include trailers and trucks conveying goods, animals and human beings, night trips, fatigue, speed violations as well as overloading of vehicles.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed also identified driving under the influence of alcohol and other psychotropic substances as another critical road traffic infraction which has increased the level of Road Traffic Crashes and fatalities on the highways in recent times.
He commended Media professionals, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and State Judiciaries for their result-oriented collaborations in enlightenment, arrest and timely prosecution of offenders of established traffic regulations.
Speaking on activities of the Corps in the state, Commander Samuel Oyedeji said the Command had already keyed into the FRSC National HQ Abuja Operational order for 2024 Eid- El-Kabir Special Patrol operations from 14th June- 21 June, 2024.
He said that the command has deployed over 500 personnel throughout the state Special Marshals inclusive, 17 patrol vehicles, one (1) heavy tow truck, three (3) Ambulances and one (1) motorbike to patrol and ensure safety on the roads.
He said that the deployment made was to guarantee safety of motorists in the state and those transiting through the state during the period as he advised all road users to guide their conducts and be of good behaviour on the highways.
The Sector Commander disclosed that the Command was ready to consolidate on the Corps goal of achieving five per cent reduction in Road Traffic Deaths and Injuries in 2024.
The Kogi Sector Commander hinted that to curtail the menace of trailer drivers conveying humans, goods and animals at the same time, an Inter-Agency Joint Task Force was set up to arrest the deadly road use abuse that has led to unprecedented crashes and fatalities.
He said that the JTF which was inaugurated on 23 March, 2024, has so far, successfully arrested a total of 222 trailers loaded with 3,169 passengers hanging on top of goods and animals.
As part of the operations, the JTF dropped over 2,440 passengers who were mandated to take alternative vehicles designed to convey passengers.
The Sector Commander said that since the commencement of the JTF operation, the monster of road traffic crashes involving trailers and the ensuing fatalities have been adequately tamed and the situation is being tackled on all fronts.
Oyedeji said the Corps Marshal wished all Muslim faithful a happy and safe Eid-El-Kabir celebrations as he urged them to call FRSC toll free line: 122 or report to the nearest FRSC Office in Kogi State for prompt Rescue Operations and clearance of Obstruction. (Ends)