The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State says it has recorded a significant reduction in road traffic crashes (RTCs).

Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander, said this on Monday in Akure during the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crash Victims.

The theme of the event was “A Light That Unites Us”.

Mr Ibitoye said the reduction was achieved through the command’s aggressive advocacy, public education and enforcement along the highways.

The sector commander, who noted that the command recorded a single fatal crash, which claimed 30 lives in 2025, explained that the command had not recorded any massive loss of lives from RTCs to date.

Mr Ibitoye explained that the command recently carried out Operation Guduma Phase Two, during which offenders were sanctioned for speeding, overloading, lack of number plates and the use of fake number plates.

“In commemeration of 2026 World Day Of Remembrance For RTC Victims, we are caring for the families of those who have lost their livees, those who may sustain injuries in the course of RTC on Nigerian roads. In 2025 from January to October, we recorded 275 RTC, 76 fatal crashes, 183 serious crashes, 16 minor crashes, 147 killed in crashes, 760 injured and 1749 involved.

“In 2026, we had 144 RTCs, 39 fatal crashes, 94 serious crashes, 11 minor crashes, 51 killed in crashes, 422 injured and 1,117 involved. As a command, we have done a lot to ensure the reduction in RTCs. We have gone on aggressive advocacy.

“We have gone on robust public education to make people change their attitude on the road, to discourage overloading, and to advance vehicle maintenance by motorists in the state. So, the basic thing is that we want to make our roads safer so that every individual plying the road will be sure of arriving alive,” the sector commander said.

He, therefore, called on motorists and other road users to join hands with the FRSC to reduce RTCs, saying that road crashes were a shared responsibility.

Mr Ibitoye, however, urged motorists to be patient and drive at safe speeds to reach their destinations safely during the ember months and yuletide season in the state.

Adebayo Oladeji, State Special Marshal Coordinator, called on motorists to adhere to traffic rules, saying it had become imperative for them to promote safety and prevent fatalities.

“As a motorist, we must ensure that every necessary thing that is supposed to be done is put in place so that lives will be saved especially as we head toward the yuletide season,” he said.

The highlight of the event was the laying of a wreath in honour and remembrance of RTC victims by the sector commander, the Special Marshal Coordinator and the FRSC Head of Operations in the state.

(NAN)