FRSC discloses road crashes killed 5,421 people, tells drivers to prioritise safety
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Up to 5,421 people were killed in road crashes North and South in 2024, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has disclosed, citing a 7 per cent rise on 5,081 fatalities the year prior.
FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed announced the figures in Abuja on Monday at an event marking the conclusion of “Operation Zero Tolerance” special patrol campaign by the agency.
Mohammed said the rise in fatalities occurred despite a 10 per cent reduction in the number of road crashes, with 9,570 incidents in 2024 compared to 10,617 in 2023.
The data also shows that road crashes and injuries reduced slightly in 2024, but the umber of people involved in accidents rose 1 per cent, from 70,092 in 2023 to 70,530 in 2024.
Efforts to enforce road safety laws saw mixed results with a reduction in traffic violations and arrests dropping from 29,220 in 2023 to 21,580 in 2024.
Mohammed attributed the increased deaths to human factors such as reckless driving, overloading and fatigue, as well as secondary incidents like the scooping of fuel from fallen tankers, which claimed 411 lives last year.
He explained that “Analysis of our annual performance indicates that from January to December 2024, the corps recorded a drastic reduction in road traffic crashes as well as in the number of people injured when compared to the annual record of 2023.
“From 1st January to 31st December 2024, a total of 9,570 road traffic crashes were recorded nationwide. This figure is against 10,617 road traffic crashes recorded in 2023 which signifies a tremendous reduction of 10 per cent.
“Furthermore, 31,154 people were injured in 2024 while 31,874 were injured in 2023, representing a two per cent decrease. However, the corps recorded a seven per cent increase in fatalities as 5,421 people were killed in 2024 while 5,081 people were killed in 2023.
“Meanwhile, a total of 70,530 people got involved in road traffic crashes in 2024 compared to 70,092 in 2023, signifying an increase of one per cent.
“It is pertinent to emphasise at this juncture that, out of the total fatalities that occurred in 2024, 411 deaths, representing 7.6 per cent of the total deaths were not primarily caused by the crashes but a secondary factor which is the very monster we are fighting today: scooping of fuel from fallen tankers.”
Mohammed said between 15 December 2024 and 15 January 2025, a period covered by the special patrol, 402 lives were lost in road accidents.
The incidents include five major crashes in Plateau, Abia, Kaduna, Kwara, and Ondo, with the most devastating occurring in Jebba in Kwara, where 30 people perished.
According to Mohammed, a key contributor to the high death toll is the dangerous act of scooping fuel from crashed tankers.
In 2024 alone, this practice accounted for 7.6 per cent of total fatalities. Mohammed called on motorists and the public to avoid such activities, warning of the grave risks involved.
“Between 15 December 2024 and 15 January 2025, the Corps recorded a total of 531 road traffic crashes nationwide as against 634 recorded in the same period in 2023. This represents a 16.2 per cent reduction.
“On this note, I wish to reiterate that the alarming rate of crashes and fatalities occurred as a result of loading of trailers with passengers, goods and persons, fatigue, speed violation, overloading, dangerous driving as well as poor vehicle maintenance within the period under review.
“The 2024 recorded fatalities are alarming and therefore unacceptable. The situation is worrisome, especially, in cases of unprecedented fatalities as a result of scooping of petroleum products from crashed tankers (Niger and Jigawa in perspective),” he said.
Mohammed urged motorists to prioritise road safety by adhering to speed limits, avoiding night travel, and refraining from overloading vehicles.
He also cautioned passengers against boarding vehicles meant for goods transportation.
“In this beginning year 2025, I wish to caution motorists and travellers to avoid excessive speed and overloading as much as possible. “Passengers should avoid boarding trailers and trucks meant for goods; including night trips due to the inherent dangers.”
He reaffirmed the commitment of the FRSC to improving road safety through increased collaboration with the judiciary, enhanced staff welfare, and public sensitisation campaigns.
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