The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed, has expressed serious concern about the reckless driving habits exhibited by some drivers on Nigerian roads.
In a statement released by FRSC Spokesman Mr. Olusegun Ogungbemide in Abuja, Mohammed extended his sympathies to the families of victims involved in the recent fatal crashes on the Lagos/Ibadan expressway.
The crashes, which occurred on August 13 at Ajao, opposite Bovas fuel station on the Ojoo/Iwo road, as well as in Malo, were described by the Corps Marshal as both devastating and avoidable. He emphasized the importance of adhering to safe road practices and urged drivers to resist the temptation to violate established road traffic regulations.
The Ibadan crash, which took place at 9:20 AM, involved four vehicles and resulted in 16 deaths and 17 injuries. The Malo crash, occurring at 3:14 PM, involved a white Mazda bus, resulting in 12 deaths and four injuries.
“The Ibadan crash involved a White Mack Truck (AKM 548 ZY), which experienced brake failure, losing control and crashing into three other vehicles: a White Nissan Bus (MUB 20 LG), a Red Nissan Micra (BDJ 520 YC), and a Blue Honda CRV (KRD 707 ER),” Mohammed explained.
The Malo crash was attributed to a wrongful overtaking maneuver by the driver of the White Mazda Bus (DDA733XA), leading to a loss of control and a fatal collision.
The Ibadan crash affected 35 individuals, including 14 male adults, 10 female adults, six female children, and five male children. Out of this group, 17 people sustained injuries while 16 lost their lives. In the Malo crash, 16 people were involved, with 12 fatalities and four injuries.
Injured victims from the Ibadan crash were taken to Amudalat Hospital in Ibadan, while the deceased were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force’s Divisional Office in Ibadan. The bodies of the 12 victims from the Malo crash have been deposited at FOS Morgue in Ipara.
Mohammed has directed the immediate arrest and prosecution of the driver of the articulated vehicle involved in the Ibadan crash, who reportedly fled the scene.
The FRSC is reportedly intensifying its efforts in collaboration with the Judiciary to ensure that all drivers involved in fatal crashes will face legal consequences, including the suspension of their licenses.
