From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported 169 deaths, 287 serious injuries, and 75 minor injuries from road crashes recorded between 15 December 2024 and 15 January 2025.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, addressing reporters in Abuja to mark the end of the ‘Operation Zero Tolerance’ exercise, highlighted five landmark crashes that significantly contributed to the fatalities and injuries recorded during the period.
Mohammed identified the incidents as follows:
- Jing, Shendam in Plateau State on 20 December 2024, which killed 11 people.
- Bende-Ohafia route in Abia State on 22 December 2024, which also killed 11 people.
- Kaduna-Abuja expressway on 25 December 2024, which resulted in 8 fatalities.
- Jebba, Kwara State on 26 December 2024, which claimed 30 lives.
- Owo-Ikare route before Ose Bridge on 28 December 2024, which led to 13 deaths.
He noted that these crashes were the most fatal among 37 critical incidents that resulted in the death of three or more people, accounting for 7% of the total crashes recorded during the period.
According to him, these 37 crashes alone caused 247 deaths, representing a significant 39% of the total fatalities recorded in the period under review.
“It will interest you to note that between 15 December 2024 and 15 January 2025, a total of 531 crashes were recorded. Out of these reported cases, 169 were fatal, 287 serious, while 75 were minor,” he stated.
To address the issue, Mohammed urged motorists and travellers to avoid excessive speed and overloading.
“Passengers should avoid boarding trailers and trucks meant for goods, including night trips, due to the inherent dangers.
“I wish to notify you that the Corps is committed to achieving its statutory mandate through compliance with the Presidential directives to collaborate with the National Orientation Agency to sensitise the public on the dangers of scooping fuel from crashed tankers. Management will also continue to motivate staff through enhanced welfare packages.
“It is also expected that our efforts at capacity building will provide the required skills and professionalism needed for enhanced productivity.
“On this note, I wish to most respectfully commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his commitment to enhancing the safety and security of the motoring public, as we look forward to seeing more proactive measures to address the challenges faced by road users in Nigeria,” he concluded.