The Federal Road Safety Corps in Anambra State has revealed that no fewer than 40 persons lost their lives in about 112 road crashes that occurred in the state in 2023.
The state Sector Commander, FRSC, Adeoye Irelewuyi, stated this in Awka, on Friday, during the Year 2023 Award/Durbar programme for RS5.
Irelewuyi noted that the event was aimed at appreciating stakeholders for their various contributions as well as rewarding outstanding officers and men for their performance and commitment during the outgone year.
He noted that the state recorded a decrease of 22.22 percent in road crashes in 2023 when compared to 2022.
The FRSC boss stated that while 70 people died in 2022, 40 died in 2023.
He said, “The Command recorded a total of 144 road traffic crashes in 2022 while 112 road crashes were recorded in 2023.
“We equally recorded positive development on all RTC parameters which include the number injured, the number involved, offenders and offences, driver license production as well as number plates production.
“All these would have been impossible without the commitment, sacrifice, and hard work of officers and men who were determined to brave the odds and work for the safety of humanity on our roads.
“It would also have been impossible without the collaboration and support of other security agencies, stakeholders, and well-meaning Nigerians who have joined hands with us in one way or the other to try and make our roads safer.”
He explained that the Command also deemed it fit to reward 19 officers and men who have been outstanding in their performance and commitment in 2023.
According to him, the command had mapped out strategies for enforcement which he said include mobile court sittings, public enlightenment, stakeholder collaboration and partnership in research.
“We are also recognising and appreciating critical stakeholders, agencies, and partners who have joined hands with us especially in the year 2023 to ensure successful operations.
“In the same vein, we want to recognise and reward some staff who have paid the supreme price for their fatherland in the course of duty.
“We have set a target to surpass the 2023 record and reduce RTC on Anambra roads by 60 percent. We therefore appeal to all stakeholders to continue to support the Command in every area. Once again we emphasise that Road Safety is everybody’s business,” he added.
There has been a surge in road accidents lately, prompting FRSC to caution drivers about excessive speeding.