FRSC deploys 3,077 marshals, sets up mobile courts for traffic regulations at Easter

*The Federal Road Safety Corps, Zone RS4HQ, in Jos, Plateau State, has assured Nigerians there will be 24-hour operations and observatory in the Commands along critical corridors for the nationwide ‘Easter Special Patrol Operation’, to ensure sanity, prevent deaths and injuries on the roads during the festive period

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In its efforts at ensuring safety of lives and property, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zone RS4HQ, in Jos, Plateau State of Nigeria, has called on all road users and transport fleet operators within the Zone to abide by traffic rules, regulations, and COVID-19 protocols during the Easter festive period or risk arrest and prosecution.

The Commission noted the FRSC Zone RS4HQ, Jos, in Plateau State, is comprised of comprising Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States.

Route Commander Olusegun Owoeye, Acting Public Education Officer, in a statement Friday, March 26, in Jos, said Assistant Corps Marshal (Dr.) Kayode Olagunju, mni, Zonal Commanding Officer RS4, gave this warning to herald the commencement in the Zone of the nationwide ‘Easter Special Patrol Operation’, with the aim of ensuring sanity and prevention of deaths and injuries on the road during the festive period.

The FRSC Command stated that it is poised to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities as Nigerians celebrate Easter in the Jos Zone.

The Zonal Commander directed strict enforcement of traffic laws which include setting up of Mobile Courts to try erring traffic offenders, the statement noted.

According to him, the Commands are to promptly remove broken down vehicles and other forms of obstructions on the highways as well as ensure free flow of traffic through strategic traffic control and management.

They are to also embark on massive education of motorists and other road users during the period slated between 31 March and 7 April, 2021, he said.

The regulatory agency stressed that the focus of the Operation includes tackling speeding and  dangerous driving, overtaking violation, lane indiscipline,  route violation, road obstructions, use of phone while driving, overloading, seat belt/child restraint use violations, passengers manifest violation, and operation of mechanical deficient and rickety vehicles.

According to the Corps, others include latching and twist-locks violation, illegal use of the spy number plates, driving under influence of alcohol, other intoxicants as well as non-adherence to the COVID-19 protocols.

Dr. Olagunju disclosed that a total number of 3,077 personnel comprising 1,969 Regular and 1,108 Special Marshals are to be engaged in traffic management, rescue services, public education and enforcement during the period in Jos Zone.

All operational vehicles and other logistics shall be fully deployed for maximum impacts, he stated.

He also noted that mobile courts would be set up along major corridors in the Zone to try erring drivers and other road users.

All arrested violators will be arraigned before the Magistrates and they stand the risks of fines payment ranging between N2,000 and N50,000  depending on the nature of the offences and/or imprisonment terms ranging between 2 and 6 months as may be decided by the Mobile Courts, Olagunju stated.

He admonished road users to comply with the traffic laws as according to him, some recalcitrant offenders might spend this Easter festive period behind the bars.

Dr. Olagunju as well reminded road users that some traffic laws violators could be arrested by road crashes hence they could spend the period in the hospitals while some infractions could lead to preventable deaths on the road.

The Commander enjoined all that will be using the road during this busy period to always strive to stay alive.

He admonished them to always drive defensively and treat other road users as potential threats to their survival.

Meanwhile, ACM Olagunju has assured that there would be 24-hour Operations and Observatory in commands along critical corridors.

There will also be full activation of the Ambulance points as well as Road Side Clinics for rescue and Emergency Management Services.

He called on nurses, Marshals and other paramedics deployed to strategic points to attend to road users with care, render necessary assistances and do their work diligently.

According to him, all the major corridors in the Zone, such as the Abuja – Keffi, Gwantu – Jos, Akwanga – Lafia – Makurdi, Lafia – Shendam – Langtang – Pankshin – Jos, Jos – Bauchi, Saminaka – Jos, Gboko – Katsina-Ala, Gboko – Aliade , Otukpo – Otukpa – Obollo Afor will be adequately covered.

Members of the public are, therefore, enjoined to inform the FRSC formations of road obstructions,  gridlocks, road traffic crashes and other emergency issues requiring FRSC attention on the toll free telephone number 122 or 0700 CALLFRSC (0700 2255 377).

All motor park Operators in the three states are enjoined to fully comply with the COVID-19 protocols such as position of hand washing facilities and 50 percent passenger carrying capacity to ensure social distancing in vehicles, the statement said.

Passengers are also enjoined to always put on their nose masks, observe physical/social distancing, regularly wash their hands with soap and running water and apply hand sanitizers.

They should also always caution their drivers whenever they attempt to break the traffic laws.

The Zonal Commanding Officer ACM Olagunju added that the Corps will collaborate with the military, sister security agencies, state traffic agencies, fire service and other stakeholders such as the media and NGOs on emergency rescue services to ensure a successful operation during the period.

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