The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Taraba State Sector Command, has disclosed that 115 road traffic crashes occurred in the state between January and October 2026.
The Sector Command said, the incident resulted in the loss of 72 lives and injuries to 374 persons.
The Sector Commander, CC Anna Attah, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing with critical stakeholders to commemorate the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims at the NUJ Press Centre in Jalingo.
The 2026 commemoration is being observed under the theme: “A Light That Unites Us”, with the global message, “Remember, Support, Act.”
CC Attah attributed the crashes largely to excessive speeding and dangerous driving, snd warned that reckless behaviour on the roads continued to expose motorists and other road users to avoidable dangers.
She said the annual commemoration was aimed at honouring thousands of people who had lost their lives in road traffic crashes, supporting bereaved families and recognising survivors who continue to suffer physical, emotional and psychological trauma.
According to her, the occasion goes beyond remembering victims, as it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the devastating consequences of road crashes and renew collective efforts to prevent further loss of lives.
“Behind every road traffic crash statistic is a human being — someone’s father, mother, husband, wife, child, brother, sister or friend. Every life lost represents a dream cut short, a family thrown into mourning and a future that may never be fulfilled,” she said.
The FRSC commander, noted that survivors of road crashes often endure long-term disabilities, psychological trauma, financial difficulties and painful memories, stressing that many accidents could be prevented through responsible driving and strict compliance with traffic regulations.
She said more than 50 million people had lost their lives in road traffic crashes globally since the first recorded road death, while hundreds of millions had sustained injuries.
CC Attah further cited, national statistics, which showed that Nigeria recorded 10,617 road crashes in 2023, resulting in 5,081 deaths and 31,874 injuries.
“In 2024 the country recorded 9,570 crashes, representing a 10 per cent decline, but fatalities increased by seven per cent to 5,421, while 31,154 persons sustained injuries.
She added that 10,446 crashes were recorded in 2025, claiming 5,289 lives and leaving 33,400 persons injured.
“Between January and September 2026, according to her, Nigeria recorded 7,156 crashes, resulting in 3,445 deaths and 22,292 injuries.”
The commander said, the figures underscored the need for stronger road safety measures, particularly as the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 targets a 50% reduction in road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
She identified excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, overloading, fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance and disregard for traffic signs and signals as major causes of road crashes.
“Road traffic crashes do not happen by accident alone. Many are linked to human errors and deliberate violations of traffic regulations. Every reckless decision on the road has the potential to extinguish a life and leave behind a family in perpetual sorrow,” she said.
CC Attah called on government agencies to strengthen road safety policies and enforcement, while urging transport operators to prioritise the safety of passengers over profit.
She also urged drivers to exercise discipline and responsibility, while passengers and pedestrians were encouraged to contribute to safer road use.
The sector commander stressed that enforcement alone could not guarantee safer roads without a corresponding change in attitude and behaviour among motorists.
She reaffirmed the FRSC’s commitment to reducing road traffic crashes and creating safer motoring environments across the country, adding that the Corps would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to protect lives.
Underlining the significance of this year’s global message, Attah urged Nigerians to remember victims of road crashes, support survivors and bereaved families, and take practical steps to prevent further tragedies.
She also commended first responders, FRSC personnel, medical professionals and emergency rescue teams for their efforts in attending to crash victims and saving lives.
“The highway is not a racetrack. It is better to arrive safely, even if late, than to risk your life and the lives of others through reckless driving,” she warned.
The commander expressed appreciation to the state government, under Governor Agbu Kefas, and members of his cabinet for providing logistical support to the FRSC Sector Command in its efforts to safeguard lives and property in the state.
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