The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC has disclosed that about 3,767 people lost their lives in 7,011 road traffic crashes, RTC, across Nigeria between January and September 2024.
The Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, made the disclosure during the launch of the 2024 Road Traffic Crash Victims Remembrance Week at St. John’s Evangelist Cathedral Church, Bauchi, on Sunday.
Represented by the Bauchi State Sector Commander, Istifanus Ibrahim, Shehu also revealed that 22,373 individuals sustained various degrees of injuries during the same period.
According to him, Nigeria as the most populous country in Africa, bears significant consequences of road traffic crashes due to its large population.
He outlined the objectives of the 2024 World Day of Remembrance for RTC Victims, emphasizing the importance of remembering the deceased and supporting those recovering in hospitals.
“This day is meant to acknowledge the crucial work of emergency services, highlight the often inadequate legal response to culpable road deaths and injuries, and advocate for appropriate actions.
“It also aims to promote better support for victims and their families and encourage evidence-based measures to prevent further road traffic fatalities and injuries,” Shehu said.
The Corps Marshal noted that the church visit was part of a series of events planned for the remembrance week, with a similar visit scheduled at a Jumaat Mosque on Friday.
He stressed the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging religious platforms to promote road safety awareness among the populace.
Shehu called on governments to adopt the Safe System Approach to improve vehicular safety, urging all road users to recognise that road crashes often claim more passengers’ lives than drivers while calling for collective responsibility for road safety.
Responding Rev. Raphael Agbada commended the FRSC for bringing the road safety campaign to the church.
He pledged to extend the enlightenment beyond the congregation to the broader community.
“We will do everything possible to support your efforts in ensuring road safety,” Rev. Agbada assured.
3,767 killed, 22,373 injured in Nigerian auto crashes – FRSC
