By Milcah Tanimu

In response to the persistent issue of overloading, particularly by articulated vehicles, along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, the Kaduna Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced plans to initiate a 24-hour special patrol starting from Saturday.

Sector Commander Kabir Nadabo emphasized that the primary objective of this patrol is to mitigate crashes and fatalities along the highway. The operation will be a collaborative effort involving personnel from the Police, Civil Defence, transport unions, and Kaduna State Traffic and Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA).

Vehicles found to be overloaded with passengers, animals, or goods will be compelled to offload the excess cargo before being permitted to proceed. The FRSC aims to utilize all available resources to decrease the incidence of road accidents, thereby safeguarding the lives and properties of Nigerians.

Mr. Nadabo stressed the importance of effective collaboration with stakeholders to ensure thorough patrol, timely response to obstructions, and efficient rescue operations. Recent trends have underscored the necessity for a more robust strategy to address the menace of overloading, particularly during night travel.

The sector commander highlighted the alarming statistics of road crashes in the region, revealing that from October 2023 to March 21, 2024, the Kaduna Command recorded 12 crashes involving over 500 individuals, resulting in 114 fatalities and 210 injuries. Most travelers originate from the North West and North East states, with Kaduna serving as a pivotal transit point en route to various destinations across the country.

Motorists, especially those operating articulated vehicles, have been urged to refrain from overloading their vehicles with passengers, animals, or goods due to the inherent dangers associated with such practices. The FRSC emphasizes the importance of prioritizing safety and discourages risky behavior, particularly among young individuals traveling for business or trade opportunities to southern regions of the country.