Figures released by the Zonal Commandant of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zone 5, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, indicate that 209 persons died and over 991 sustained injuries in 271 road crashes in Edo, Delta and Anambra States in the third quarter of 2011 in the zone.
The zonal commander, Mr. Yakubu Attah, an Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), said: “A total of 59 fatal road traffic crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2011. Of this number, a total of 144 serious cases were recorded, and 68 minor cases reported, thereby bringing the total number to 271 crashes within the period in retrospect.”
He described the figures as high and unacceptable and said that? FRSC was engaging in vigorous public enlightenment to raise the level of awareness of the general motoring public as the year comes to an end.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 5, Alhaji Ibrahim Baba Ahmed has assured FRSC of maximum support and co-operation during this yuletide season.