Road crashes: 11 killed, 56 injured in eight months

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Akwa Ibom Command has said that 11 persons have been killed and 56 injured in the state between January and August 2023.

The Sector Commander Akwa Ibom, Mr Matthew Olonisaye, stated this during the 2023 Special Marshal Sectoral Workshop in Uyo on Friday.

The theme of the workshop is: “Volunteerism in Road Safety Management.”

Olonisaye said that the 67 casualties recorded during the period, as against the 166 casualties recorded within the same period last year show a continuous reduction in road crashes in the state.

The sector commander praised the special marshals in the state for their support towards the reduction of road traffic crashes in the state.

“It is key to inform you that from January 2023 to date there was a notable reduction of crashes, fatalities and injuries recorded in the state as compared to what was penned down in the same period of 2022.

“It will not be out of place not to recognise the efforts of the Special Marshals in Akwa Ibom State that have supported the achievement of reduction of road crashes in the state.

“I unassumingly request all attendees to, in a timely fashion, contribute and offer suggestions on possibilities to improve on this upcoming standard of crash reduction in Akwa Ibom and indeed Nigeria to the benefit of all road users including us,” Olonisaye said.

In his remarks, the Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Zone RS6 Port Harcourt, Mr Jonathan Owoade, urged the security agencies particularly, the police not to harass the Special Marshals but accord them due respect while on duty.

Earlier In his welcome address, the State Coordinator, Special Marshals of FRSC, Dr Daniel Ekong, said the voluntary arm was saddled with equal powers and responsibility to discharge all FRSC operational activities toward achieving the corps’ vision of eradicating road traffic crashes and create a safer motoring environment in the country.

Ekong commended the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, including his management team for their efforts towards making the road safe for road users.

He said that the introduction of the speed limit device and the electronic ticket has made FRSC assume a world-class position in traffic administration and safety management.

The State Commissioner for Transport, Mr Oman Esin, lauded FRSC for their efforts in reducing road crashes in the state.

Esin said that the state will continue to sustain its partnership with the organisation for the safety of all road users.

He urged all road users to observe all rules and regulations guiding the use of roads, particularly in the upcoming yuletide season to avoid loss of lives.