The Kogi State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 500 personnel, 18 patrol vehicles, and four ambulances along highways to prevent road crashes during the Easter celebration.
Mr. Samuel Ogundayo, the Acting Sector Commander of the FRSC, disclosed this in a statement signed by DRC Oluwakemi Reuben, the Public Education Officer in Lokoja, on Thursday.
The acting sector commander urged the general motoring public to embark on their 2025 Easter celebration journeys without engaging in careless behaviors that could endanger the lives of innocent road users.
Ogundayo explained that the deployment of 500 personnel across the state, including Special Marshals, along with 18 patrol vehicles, one heavy-duty tow truck, four ambulances, and a motorbike, was to ensure the safety of motorists.
He said this measure would also help protect the lives of those transiting through the state during the period.
He noted that the Corps frowned upon traffic violations such as route infractions, driving under the influence of alcohol, and the use of other dangerous substances.
These violations, he noted, have contributed to an increase in road traffic crashes and fatalities on highways in recent times.
Ogundayo reassured the public of the FRSC’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property, and its preparedness to provide a safer motoring environment throughout the Easter period and beyond.
According to him, Easter is a season to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and as a result, it involves extensive travel across the nation, leading to a high volume of human and vehicular movement.
He added that traffic volume would be particularly high in Kogi State, which shares boundaries with nine other states.
“The Command is ready, in line with the Corps’ vision to reduce road traffic fatalities in 2025, through the enforcement of traffic laws and the operation of mobile courts.
“We are committed to heightened enforcement, public enlightenment advocacy, and effective collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure hitch-free movement with zero crashes during the period and beyond.
“Enforcement efforts will focus on speeding and dangerous driving/overtaking, lane indiscipline/route violations, road obstructions, and the use of phones while driving.
“Other areas of focus include overloading, seatbelt/child restraint violations, passenger manifest violations, and the illegal loading of passengers and goods on trailers,” he said.
Ogundayo, however, wished all road users, especially Christian faithful, a fruitful and hitch-free Easter celebration.
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