The Federal Road Safety Corps has commenced the process for the prosecution of the drivers involved in both the Liba and Bunza accidents which led to the loss of many lives and victims sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
The corps said it was a decision to protect the rights of passengers and as well to serve as a deterrent to other traffic violators.
The Corps’ spokesperson, Bisi Kazeem said in a statement on Tuesday that the Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu, decried the continuous violation of traffic rules and regulations by some drivers, adding that their recklessness on highways had destroyed properties and loss of lives.
He added that the FRSC boss had also ordered a nationwide clampdown on such violators.
According to the statement, “The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Ali Biu, has directed the Legal Department of the Corps to set in motion processes for the immediate prosecution of reckless drivers who were involved in the Liba and Bunza fatal crashes to protect the rights of passengers and also serve as a deterrent to others. He decried the continued and indiscriminate violation of legal speed limits as well as other established traffic regulations by some drivers, which has led to the wanton destruction of lives and properties on the highways.
“In the same manner, he also directed Commanding Officers to begin with immediate effect, aggressive clampdown on violators nationwide.
“The fatal crashes that occurred on Sunday 26 and Monday 27 March 2023 in Liba around Gonan Rogo, and Bunza area all in Kebbi State.
“The Monday 27 March unfortunate lone crash which occurred at exactly 1730HRS, involved a DAF Trailer with registration number SKF 131XA, conveying 61 people plying through the Jega-Yauri route in Kebbi State.
“The crash report reveals that a total of 61 people were involved, out of which 36 victims comprising of 1 Female Adult and 1 female child sustained different injuries including fractures, bruises and head injuries.
“More so, 23 victims comprising 21 male adults, 1 male child and 1 female adult were killed. It occurred as a result of overloading and tyre burst leading to loss of control that resulted in avoidable fatalities.
“The injured victims were rescued at Maiyama General Hospital while the dead bodies have been deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.
“On the other hand, the Sunday 26 March crash which happened at Kwanar Tunga Junction in Kamba Local Government Council of Kebbi State, involved a Toyota Carina saloon car registered as BDG129CZ and a Mercedes Benz Tipper with the following registration details NSR 495 NS.
“The crash involved a total of 14 people comprising of 3 Male adults and 11 female adults. Out of this, 2 male adults sustained injuries while 12 victims, comprising one male adult and 11 female adults were killed. The investigation report also reveals that the crash was primarily caused by Speed violation and wrongful overtaking.
“The victims have been taken to Bunza General Hospital, in Kamba Local Government Council of the State.
“Dauda Biu commiserates with the families of the deceased and wishes the injured the quickest recovery while reiterating that the Corps will continually put in its best to ensure that the roads are made safer for all to use.”
PUNCH
