The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has disclosed that more than 3,767 people lost their lives in 7,011 road traffic crashes (RTC) across the country between January and September 2024.
This was contained in a statement by the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, in Bauchi on Sunday.
Mohammed stated this during the flag-off of the 2024 Road Traffic Crash Victims’ Remembrance Week at St. John’s Evangelist Cathedral Church, the News Agency of Nigeria reported.
Represented by the Bauchi State Sector Commander of FRSC, Istifanus Ibrahim, the Corps Marshal added that more than 22,373 others sustained various degrees of injury within the period under review.
According to Mohammed, Nigeria, being the largest country in black Africa, suffers more from the effects of road traffic crashes. This, he said, is due to its population.
The Corps Marshal further added that the objectives of the year 2024 World Day of Remembrance for RTCs Victims are to provide avenue to remember both the deceased and those in the hospitals recuperating.
He said, “The day is to acknowledge the crucial work of the emergency services. Drawing attention to the generally trivial legal response to culpable road deaths and injuries and advocate for appropriate response.
“It is to also advocate for better support for road traffic victims and victim families. As well as to promote evidence-based actions to prevent and eventually stop further road traffic deaths and injuries,” he said.
Mohammed explained that Church activity was part of a series of programmes lined up for the remembrance week. He added that the same gesture will be replicated at a Jumaat Mosque on Friday.
The Corps Marshal reiterated the FRSC’s commitment toward making effective use of religious platforms to get the message of road safety to the people. This is by appealing to the conscience and consciousness of road users.
The FRSC boss urged all tiers of government and authorities concerned to improve vehicular safety through adoption of the Safe System Approach.
He said, “We also call on motorists, pedestrians and all road users to recognize the fact that road traffic crashes kill more passengers than drivers. Hence the need to remember that road safety is a collective responsibility.”
In his remark, Rev. Raphael Agbada, commended the FRSC for bringing the message to the Church. He, therefore, promised to spread the enlightenment not only to members of the Church but also to the people of the State.
He said, “We will do all we can to join you in ensuring safety on the roads.”
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