FRSC arrests 9,454 traffic offenders in A’Ibom in 2020

Akpan Umoh

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Akwa Ibom State Command, has arrested 9,454 traffic offenders in 2020 as against 15,370 apprehended for the same offence in 2019.

Speaking with journalists in Uyo, the sector commander, Mr Oga Ochi, said 317 offenders were convicted in 2020, while 477 offenders were convicted in 2019.

He noted that the command recorded 91 road crashes as against 84 crashes recorded in 2019, adding that there was a decrease in the number of deaths to 21 in 2020 as against 35 in 2019.

According to Ochi, the corps apprehended 557 traffic offenders between December 15, 2020 and January 15, 2021.

Ochi said that the 557 offenders were arrested for violating various traffic offences like overloading, driving without drivers’ license, seatbelt violation, among others.

He stated that 47 persons were arrested for overloading, 83 for driving without driving without drivers’ license and 110 arrested for seatbelt violation.

Ochi said that there was a decrease in the number of traffic offenders arrested due to the sensitisation efforts of the corps.

The sector commander added that during the period under review, the command recorded eight crashes involving 57 persons.

“Special patrol operation which is actually ensuring that zero crash is recorded for the operational period which was from December 15, 2020 to January 15, 2021.

“For the same period, the operational performance was such that the total offenders that were recorded during the operational performance was 557 traffic offenders were apprehend for various traffic offences.

“Then the critical offence which persons were arrested were 240 critical offences. Critical offences are overloading, no drivers’ license and seatbelt violation,” Ochi said.

He urged roads users to remain discipline while using the road to afford road crashes.

The sector commander said that in 2021, the command would ensure the presence of FRSC personnel in all the 31 Local Government Areas of the state to ensure adequate enlightenment.

He assured that the corps would be more feasible in the highways and all locations to ensure safety on our roads.

Ochi said that drivers training programme for governments, corporate organisations and private individuals would be enhanced.

He appealed to motorists and other road users in the state to adhere strictly to safety rules and regulations to stay alive.