By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dauda Ali Biu, has directed the Corps’ operatives to effectively cover 51 Corridors during the Eid-El-Fitr special patrol.
FRSC’s Public Education Officer, Jonas Agwu, in a statement on Monday, in Abuja, disclosed that the directive is in view of the envisioned increase in vehicular movement and the need to make the highways safe by eliminating all variables that propel road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries on the nation’s highways.
Among the corridors to be covered by the operatives are: Akwanga-Lafiya-Makurdi, Jos-Bauchi-Gombe, Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi corridor, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum corridor, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos corridor and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor.
Others are Okene-Ogori-Isua-Owo corridor, Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo Afor-9th Mile corridor, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri corridor, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu corridor, Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos corridor, Bauchi-Alkaleri-Kaltungo, Kaduna-Kachia-Kwoi-Manchok, Keffi-Nasarawa-Toto-Abaji-Lokoja and Lekki-Epe-Ijebu Ode amongst others.
Agwu, in his statement, conveyed the appreciation of the Corps’ chief towards the motoring public for their cooperation in making the roads safe during the 2024 Easter outing, and added that to achieve a better result during the Sallah celebrations, he had directed operatives of the Corps to deploy all professional expertise towards ensuring that there is free flow of traffic, prompt clearing of obstructions and effective enforcement of traffic laws.
According to Agwu, the Corps was able to trend down road traffic crashes, fatalities as well as people injured during the Easter special patrol and as such is optimistic that her target of reducing road traffic deaths by 5% and above in 2024 will be achieved.
He further disclosed that critical operational equipments have also been deployed to help personnel in the operational front. These operational tools include Radar Guns, Breathalysers to put a check on drunk driving, traffic cones and other operational logistics.
“More so, the Corps Marshal has equally directed that all Zebras must be active 24/7 and be responsive to calls within the minimum FRSC response time to crashes reported”, Agwu stated.
In line with the foregoing, the patrol is to run in shifts as follows 0600hrs – 1400hrs, 1400HRS – 2000hrs, 2000hrs – 2200hrs, and Night Rescue teams to be on standby at all operational Commands.
The Corps Marshal therefore advised all motorists to be patient on the road and ensure that they operate within the ambit of the law as the Corps is out to ensure compliance of established traffic laws.
In the same vein, the Corps Marshal also congratulated the Muslim ummah and wished them a blissful, peaceful and safe driving experience as they transit across the nation to celebrate with loved ones.
He called on the motoring public to adhere to the lessons of Ramadan and the teachings of the Prophet by imbibing patience, avoiding recklessness, ensuring that they drive within specified legal speed limit on all roads, as well as desist from overloading of vehicles and use of trailers to convey passengers.
The Eid-El-Fitr special patrol
which is expected to commence from 08 to 13 April, 2024, while the public is encouraged to call the FRSC Toll Free number 122 for prompt rescue and emergency services.
