Makurdi: Kehinde Dahunsi, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Benue, has announced a 47.6 per cent drop in road crash deaths during the 2025 year-end months—a significant improvement in the aftermath of increased festive travel.
Dahunsi made the disclosure during a news conference held on Friday in Makurdi.
He said that the statistics were generated through the corps’s Ember Month Road Safety Operations, code-named Operation Zero, which ran from Dec. 15, 2025, to Jan. 15.
Dahunsi noted that the ember period was traditionally marked by heavy vehicular traffic due to festive travel and heightened commercial activity.
He explained that the 2025/2026 operation faced challenges, including road construction, which led to diversions, traffic disruptions, and increased risks for road users.
He emphasised that this achievement was driven by strong operational planning, enforcement, and collaboration with stakeholders.
According to him, total road traffic crashes dropped from 41 in the previous ember season to 32, while fatal crashes declined from 12 to 8, serious crashes from 20 to 19, and minor crashes from 9 to 5.
“Fatal crashes declined from 12 to eight, while serious crashes reduced slightly from 20 to 19, and minor crashes saw a sharper drop from nine to five.
He stated that 178 people were involved in crashes during the operation, compared to 196 previously. Of these, 11 lost their lives, 63 sustained injuries, and 87 were rescued uninjured, the same as last year.
“Of the 178 people involved in crashes, 11 died, and 63 were injured. In the previous year, there were 196 people involved, with 88 injured and the same number rescued unhurt, which stood at 87.”
Dahunsi attributed the improved safety outcomes to intensified patrols, high-visibility enforcement, and the deployment of mobile courts, which he said enhanced compliance and served as a strong deterrent against traffic violations.
He added that there was noticeable improvement in the use of seat belts, crash helmets, and speed-limiting devices by motorists.
According to him, during the exercise, 2,028 traffic offenders were apprehended for 2,128 offences, while 833 vehicles were impounded and 1,195 valid vehicle documents and national driver’s licences were confiscated.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as speeding, night travel, and non-compliance with traffic rules, especially within construction zones.
Dahunsi thanked the FRSC Corps Marshal, Management, and Sector Command for their support and professionalism during the operation.
