The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kogi sector command, has deployed 500 personnel, 18 patrol vehicles and four ambulances along highways to checkmate road crashes during the Easter celebration.

Samuel Ogundayo, FRSC acting sector commander, disclosed this in a statement signed by DRC Oluwakemi Reuben, public education officer in Lokoja on Wednesday.

The acting sector commander enjoined the general motoring public to embark on the 2025 easter celebration journeys,  devoid of careless behaviours that could endanger the life of innocent road users.

Mr Ogundayo explained that the deployment of 500 personnel throughout the state, including Special Marshals with 18 patrol vehicles, one heavy tow truck, four ambulances and a motorbike was to guarantee the safety of motorists.

He said this would also protect the lives of those transiting through the state during the period.

He said  the corps frowned at road traffic infractions such as route violations, driving under the influence of alcohol and other dangerous substances.

This, he noted,  had increased the level of road traffic crashes and fatalities on highways in recent times.

Mr Ogundayo reassured the public of the FRSC commitment  to ensuring safety of lives and property and preparedness toward a safer motoring environment in the state 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 necessitates traveling across the nation which will  lead to a high volume of humans and vehicular movement in the country.

He said there would be a high volume of traffic,  especially in Kogi, which has boundaries with nine different states.

“The command is  ready in line with the corps’ vision to  reduce  road traffic fatality in 2025, through enforcement of Traffic Laws and Mobile Courts operations.

”We are committed to heightened enforcement, public enlightenment advocacy, effective collaboration with other security agencies, other stakeholders to achieve hitch-free movements with zero crash during the period and beyond.

“The enforcement shall focus on speeding and dangerous driving/overtaking, lane indiscipline/route violation, road obstructions, and use of phones while driving.

“Overloading, seat belt/child restraint use violations, passenger’s manifest violation, loading of trailers with goods and passengers among others, ” he said.

Mr Ogundayo, however, wished all the motoring public, especially the Christian faithful a fruitful and hitch free Easter celebration. 

(NAN)