The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kano Sector Commander, Umar Matazu, revealed that road traffic accidents in Nigeria cause more fatalities than terrorist and bandit attacks.
During a courtesy visit to the new leadership of the Kano State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Tuesday, Matazu highlighted the high number of fatalities resulting from road crashes, compared to those caused by terrorist or bandit-related violence.
Matazu emphasized the need for greater media support in raising awareness about road safety and promoting adherence to traffic regulations. He pointed out that the number of deaths caused by road traffic accidents far exceeds the number of fatalities from terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities.
“There is no way you have an attack killing more than 10 people, but in a traffic crash, you can have more than 40 people killed. From October until now, the number of people killed in road traffic crashes is higher than those killed by terrorists or bandits,” he stated.
He appealed to journalists to help spread messages about better road usage practices, as illiteracy and ignorance contribute to many of the road safety challenges. Matazu noted that passengers also have a role to play by speaking out when drivers are behaving recklessly, as they are often the victims in road accidents.
The FRSC has acknowledged that traditional public enlightenment campaigns at motor parks have become less effective, and is now exploring other methods, such as town hall meetings with all stakeholders, to engage and educate the public on road safety.
The Chairman of the Kano NUJ Council, Suleiman Dederi, represented by Vice Chairman Mustapha Gambo, assured the FRSC of the council’s full support in its ongoing road safety efforts. He also commended the long-standing cordial relationship between the NUJ and the FRSC.
