Commercial transport operators in Cross River have identified bad roads and multiple security checkpoints as challenges to smooth Christmas travels.

Bernard Akim, a commercial transporter, said in Calabar that the roads were deplorable.

Mr Akim, who operates along the  Calabar-Akamkpa corridor, said the roads connecting Calabar to other local government areas were in terrible conditions.

Another commercial driver, Bassey Etuk, said the road security checkpoints were another challenge to smooth travelling.

“I am not saying that it is wrong to have police checkpoints; my worry is that their interest is in extorting drivers,” he said.

Mr Etuk expressed worries that police operatives at checkpoints molested and harassed drivers irrespective of the directives by the inspector general of police.

He said federal roads in the state required urgent repairs to enable safe and smooth journeys.

Joyce Ekanem, a resident of Odukpani, said the level of extortion at security checkpoints along the roads was worrisome.

Ms Ekanem urged the police authorities to take stringent measures to tackle corruption among highway officers. She also urged the federal and state governments to recognise the importance of the Odukpani-Otu and the Calabar-Ikom roads.

FRSC spokesman Samuel in Cross River disclosed that most of the accidents in the state happened as a result of recklessness.

Mr Oti stated that the number of crashes in the state during the year was relatively lower than in 2023. The FRSC spokesman warned drivers against speeding and disobedience to traffic rules.

(NAN)