Residents of Jigawa State have expressed deep concern over the rising spate of road traffic accidents that killed at least 38 lives within four days.
They are calling for immediate revival of transport Policy introduced by the administration of former Governor of the state Sule Lamido.
The reactions followed three separate accidents recorded across Ringim and Dutse local government areas, leaving dozens dead and several others injured with properties worth millions of Naira destroyed.
It was reported on Friday that, no fewer than 11 persons lost their lives while 12 others sustained injuries in a crash along the Ringim–Sankara–Beguwa Road.
The accident involved a Volkswagen Golf conveying about 23 passengers. Preliminary investigations, according to the FRSC, linked the crash to overloading and excessive speeding, which resulted in a tyre burst and loss of control.
Barely two days earlier, another fatal accident in Dutse Local Government Area claimed 22 lives when a trailer conveying sand collided with two Gulf vehicles transporting passengers to a wedding ceremony along the Kwanar Huguna–Dutse Municipal road. The police confirmed that several others sustained injuries in the incident.
In a related development, five members of a family were also killed in a lone accident at Bandawa village in Ringim LGA when a vehicle reportedly veered off the road while trying to avoid a goat, hitting a tree. Two other occupants survived with injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
While reacting on the tragic incidents, some of the residents described the frequency of the accidents as alarming and unacceptable. They stated that the state is blessed with relatively good roads, human factors particularly reckless driving, speeding, and overloading of passengers and goods are the major causes of the deadly crashes.
A Dutse resident Malam Muntari said It is painful that people are dying on roads that are actually good, I think the problem is not the roads; it is the drivers. Some load vehicles beyond limit and drive with speed.
They lamented that the tragedies continue despite the state’s improved road infrastructure, therefore blaming Overloading, Reckless Driving Despite Improved Roads.
Another residents also condemned the practice of conveying passengers alongside heavy goods, describing it as dangerous and irresponsible.
“It’s quite unfortunate, the boot of a car meant for goods is now a permanent seat of four passengers in Jigawa State while the goods are loaded on top of the vehicle ”
“A single commercial vehicle is now loading eleven to twelve full grown passengers, three in the front, four in the back and another four at the boot and if those passengers have children they will also be part of the vehicle”
They appealed to the FRSC, police, and other relevant agencies to intensify enforcement of traffic laws and punish violators to serve as a deterrent.
They also called on the state government to revive stricter transport policies introduced by former Governor Sule Lamido aimed at reducing casualties.
During the administration of former Governor Sule Lamido, he restricted commercial drivers vehicles to four passengers, one in the front seat and three at the back.
They noted that, the policy have saved many and If it is brought back and enforced, drivers will think twice before overloading their vehicles.
Residents also condemned the practice of conveying passengers alongside heavy goods, describing it as dangerous and irresponsible.
They, however, urged passengers to support in the fight against overloading and over speeding.
Jigawa residents demand return of Lamido’s transport policy as road crashes kill 38 within four days
Jigawa residents demand return of Lamido’s transport policy as road crashes kill 38 within four days
