35 die of road mishaps in Anambra, as FRSC prepares for accident free season

By Madu Obi

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that 35 persons lost their lives, while 270 were injured in 97 road mishaps in Anambra State between January and November this year.

The state Sector Commander of FRSC, CC Adeoye Irelewuyi also said that a total of 820 persons were involved in the crashes, with 25 of them being fatal.

According to him, the statistics showed significant improvement and reduction when compared with the 2022 figures which recorded a total of 132 road crashes involving 1,048 persons.

He said: “In the face of security threats and high risks to personnel safety, the Anambra Sector Command remains undaunted in its efforts to drastically reduce RTCs and create safer motoring environment.

“It has arrested 1,953 offenders with 2,119 offences from January to 30th November, 2023 and impounded 332 vehicles."

“This also shows an improvement when compared to the year 2022 when we recorded 1,381 offenders arrest with 1,493 offences and 382 impoundments."

“The Command will continue to strive harder to ensure the achievement of the Corps’ Corporate Strategic goals as well as the United Nations target of reduction of road crashes by 50% by the year 2030."

The FRSC commander said a total of 1000 personnel, including special marshals, will be deployed across the state in preparation for the 2023 operation zero tolerance of accidents.

He said further: "The Operation Zero Tolerance to RTC which will start nationwide on the 15th of December 2023 and it is expected to run through 15th January, 2024.

“We have mapped out strategies for the success of this exercise in Anambra state."

“It is expected that the personnel, when deployed, will engage in robust traffic management (enforcement and traffic control) as well as Public enlightenment, all targeted towards RTC reduction."

“We are also in synergy with critical stakeholders including sister security agencies, Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Ministry of Transport, Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency, the press and all other stakeholders in order to ensure a successful operation."

“Presently we are discussing with the representatives of MTN and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on the possibility of opening the Onitsha bound lane of the expressway to traffic as from the 15th of December, 2023.

“This, we believe, will ease the pressure of traffic at the Amawbia flyover."

“Similarly we are discussing the possibility of some emergency repairs of critical portions of the expressway at Onitsha - Owerri road, Bridge Head and other points as palliative measures so as to ensure free traffic flow.

“The State Command has also received the delivery of a brand new 70 ton Tow truck (Juggernaut) from our national headquarters.

This will greatly assist in ensuring prompt removal of obstructions and reduce gridlock.

“Part of our strategies to ensure safe travels within Anambra State during this season is to establish three help areas along the critical Onitsha-Awka-Enugu corridor to ensure prompt response to RTC and other traffic situations that may require intervention.”