FRSC chief laments reckless driving on Nigerian roads

Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has voiced concerns over reckless driving on Nigerian roads. In a statement from FRSC Spokesman Olusegun Ogungbemide on Tuesday in Abuja, Mohammed expressed sorrow for the families affected by recent fatal accidents on the Lagos/Ibadan expressway.

The crashes, which took place on August 13 at Ajao, near Bovas fuel station on the Ojoo/Iwo road, and at Malo, were described by Mohammed as devastating and preventable. He emphasized the need for drivers to adhere to road safety rules and avoid reckless behavior.

The Ibadan crash occurred at 9:20 a.m. involving four vehicles: a White Mack Truck that lost control due to brake failure and collided with a White Nissan Bus, a Red Nissan Micra, and a Blue Honda CRV. This accident resulted in 16 deaths and 17 injuries. The Malo crash, happening at 3:14 p.m., involved a White Mazda Bus whose driver lost control while overtaking, leading to 12 deaths and four injuries.

The Ibadan incident involved 35 people—14 male adults, 10 female adults, six female children, and five male children—with 16 fatalities and 17 injuries. The Malo crash involved 16 people—12 male adults, three female adults, and one female child—with 12 deaths and four injuries.

The injured from the Ibadan crash were taken to Amudalat Hospital, while the deceased were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Divisional Office in Ibadan. The 12 victims from the Malo crash were deposited at FOS Morgue in Ipara.

Mohammed has instructed the immediate arrest and prosecution of the fleeing driver of the articulated vehicle. The FRSC is intensifying efforts in collaboration with the Judiciary to ensure that drivers involved in fatal crashes face severe penalties, including license suspension and legal action.