The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Command, has expressed concern over the rising number of road accidents, revealing that 94 road traffic crashes claimed 53 lives and left 244 people injured in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
The State Sector Commander, Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, made the disclosure during the 8th United Nations Road Safety Week event held in Akure, themed “Streets for Life – #MakeWalkingSafe #MakeCyclingSafe.”
According to Ibitoye, the latest figures represent a sharp increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 74 crashes resulted in 33 deaths and 237 injuries.
The fatalities in 2025 included 39 adult males, 13 adult females, and one female child.
He attributed the alarming rise in casualties to a range of factors, including speeding, reckless driving, overloading, fatigue, poor road conditions, and vehicle neglect.
“These statistics are not only disturbing but also call for deep reflection among all stakeholders,” he said. “We must examine our attitudes—road users, government officials, policymakers, engineers, vehicle designers, and civil society organizations all have a role to play in changing the current narrative.”
Ibitoye urged all road users—drivers, pedestrians, and passengers—to adopt safer behaviors and responsible attitudes to help reduce the number of avoidable road crashes.
He specifically cautioned drivers, especially commercial operators, to avoid drunk driving, aggression on the road, and speeding.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for initiatives aimed at improving transportation and road safety across the state.
The sector commander further called on road construction contractors to prioritize the inclusion of pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes in their projects to promote safer, more sustainable transportation and reduce environmental pollution.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Kareem Tajudeen of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and Mr. Adeniyi Oyedapo of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), applauded the FRSC’s continuous efforts in ensuring safety on the roads. They confirmed that their associations have been actively educating their members on proper vehicle maintenance and safe driving practices.