Over 35 FRSC Officers Killed By Desperate Motorists Across Nigeria
35 Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officers have lost their lives in the hand of desperate motorists who would rather run over an officer on duty than slow down for checks along major highways across Nigeria.
The FRSC, for the period it has existed in Niger State, assisted the state government to generate revenue to the tune of over N15 million.
Susan Ajenge, Sector Commander, Niger State, disclosed these when she appeared before the Niger State House of Assembly to explain the reasons why officers of the commission cluster themselves within Minna, the state capital instead of carrying out their duties along federal highways.
Niger State House of Assembly had summoned the Sector Commander over what they termed, ‘incessant harassment and intimidation’ of Nigerlites by FRSC officials especially during weekends and holidays and the officers did not restrict their operations along federal highways.
Mrs. Susan had told the legislature that, contrary to insinuations that it is basically focused on exploiting citizens in the name of generating funds, the FRSC operating 24 hours have been able to curtail accidents including such as involving under-aged drivers.
The House under Matters of Urgent Importance summoned the FRSC Sector Commander to explain why the commission is not working according to what its name implies by promoting safety along major highways instead of patrolling within Minna metropolis and environs.
The members had argued among others that the FRSC should station itself along highways to check carnage caused due to over-speeding, use of worn-out tyres and cars unfit for highways, drunk drivers and reckless driving.
Instead of devoting time to protecting lives and property along major inter-and intra-state highways, the legislators said they were disappointed that the FRSC had restricted itself to becoming another ‘Tax Master’ of the Federal Government.
“The FRSC has abandoned all road safety responsibilities as patrol vehicles are hardly seen along highways to protect lives and property of road users through over-speeding control devices,” a member representing Gbako, Abdullahi Marunagi explained.
After deliberations on the floor of the House, Hon. Ahmed Marafa, the Speaker, challenged the Sector Commander to focus more on safety along highways in addition to enlightening citizens on the commission’s operational goals.
“Nigerlites are tired of constant harassment and intimidation by the FRSC,” Marafa said, and this they have expressed through their representatives in House hence the need for the Commander to enlighten her field officers especially in the area of demanding for monetary penalties on minor offences.
The Speaker said, “FRSC needs reorientation to enable it live according to statutory responsibilities of protecting lives along highways, checking reckless drivers including those under the influence of alcohol and those using vehicles that are unfit for highways.”
