By Ibironke Ariyo
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed, has reiterated the need for enhanced public enlightenment and education to reduce road crashes in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Mohammed made the call when he paid a condolence visit to Gov. Muhammed Bago on Wednesday in Minna.
The visit was to commiserate with the state over the Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) that occured on Sunday, Sept 8 at KM 02, Koriagi village, Agaei, Lapai-Bida route, Niger.
The FRSC boss, however, emphasised that informed road users were crucial to achieving safer roads in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accident which was as a result of speed violation and eventually led to loss of control, ended up in an inferno and involved 55 male adults.
NAN reports that the crash which involved four vehicles, a DAF tanker, two DAF trucks and a toyota car had 37 passengers killed while 18 were rescued with various degrees of injuries.
Mohammed, who visited the state with his team, said that the crash could have been avoided and that the FRSC had commenced investigations into the causes.
He, said that the report of the investigations would be forwarded to the state government upon completion.
He also announced plans to establish an outpost and create an ambulance point to enhance FRSC visibility and response time.
“We are here to commiserate with the people of Niger state over the recent road traffic crashes that could have been avoided which occured few days back.
“I am here with my team today to let his excellency know that we have taken measures and commence investigations on the causes of the road crash.
“We also want to establish an outpost close to that vicinity so that we can increase FRSC visibility for people to know that we are always around and also contact us when necessary.
“We are also looking at creating an ambulance point, a zebra point for prompt response especially when crashes occur,”he said.
The corps marshal reiterated the FRSC’s commitment to reduce road crashes by 50 per cent by 2030, in line with the United Nations Decade of Action strategy.
He said that the holistic approach acknowledged the intricate relationship between road users, vehicles, and the road infrastructure.
“It accepts that accidents are inevitable due to human error, but emphasises the need to minimise their severity, preventing the loss of life and serious injuries, such as those seen in the recent Niger crash,”he said.
Mohammed commended the Niger State Governor for the transformation in road infrastructure and the state government for supporting the FRSC in carrying out its mandate.
He also praised Niger transport authorities for their support and assistance in the burial of the deceased.
The corps marshal assured the state government of the FRSC’s partnership with the Ministry of Transport, Works and other relevant agencies to reduce road crashes and fatalities in the state and across the federation.
Responding, Gov. Bago commended the FRSC for being the first agency to visit the state after the recent road traffic crashes that claimed several lives.
Bago, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, praised the FRSC for its passion and proactive approach to road safety.
He acknowledged that the visit was not just because of the FRSC’s mandate as a road safety agency, but because of its genuine concern for human lives.
“I am overwhelmed because of this visit as it is timely and I am happy because people that are saddled with the issues of road safety are the first people to pay a condolence visit to Niger since the incident of the RTCs happened.
“This alone shows the seriousness of the Corps Marshal and his team to curbing Road traffic crashes across the 36 states and FCT,”he said.
He noted the need for continuous education on adherence to road safety rules and regulations, while he expressed gratitude for the timely visit.
He commended the Federal Government for its ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure while calling for the completion of roads to ease movements.
The FRSC also visited the Sector command and the residence of the Former Military head of states, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
