Benue State Witnesses Dramatic 47.6% Decline in Road Accident Deaths
Benue State has achieved a remarkable milestone in road safety, recording a substantial 47.6 per cent reduction in vehicle accident-related fatalities during the last ember months. This encouraging development was officially announced by the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Benue State, Kehinde Dahunsi, during a comprehensive press briefing held in Makurdi on Friday.
Operation Zero Yields Positive Results Amidst Challenges
Dahunsi revealed that these statistics were meticulously compiled through the corps' specialized Ember Month Road Safety Operations, known as Operation Zero. He emphasized that the 2025/2026 operational period presented unique difficulties, as extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state led to numerous diversions, traffic disruptions, and heightened exposure to potential hazards for motorists.
Despite these obstacles, the data indicates a clear improvement in overall road safety metrics. Total road traffic crashes during the ember months decreased from 41 in the previous season to 32, marking a significant 21.9 per cent reduction. A detailed breakdown shows:
- Fatal crashes declined from 12 to eight
- Serious crashes saw a slight reduction from 20 to 19
- Minor crashes experienced a sharper drop from nine to five
Human Impact and Statistical Analysis
The human toll of road accidents also showed marked improvement. During the operation, 178 individuals were involved in road traffic crashes, compared to 196 in the corresponding period of the previous year. Among these:
- Eleven persons tragically lost their lives
- Sixty-three sustained various injuries, down from 88 previously
- The number of persons rescued without injury remained constant at 87
Factors Contributing to Enhanced Safety
Sector Commander Dahunsi attributed these positive outcomes to several strategic interventions implemented by the FRSC. These included:
- Intensified patrols across critical routes
- High-visibility enforcement operations to deter violations
- Deployment of mobile courts to ensure swift justice for traffic offenders
Dahunsi noted that these measures significantly enhanced compliance with traffic regulations and served as a powerful deterrent against dangerous driving behaviors. He also reported noticeable improvements in the use of essential safety equipment, including seat belts, crash helmets, and speed-limiting devices among motorists operating within the state.
Enforcement Statistics and Persistent Challenges
During Operation Zero, enforcement activities resulted in:
- 2,028 traffic offenders apprehended for 2,128 separate offences
- 833 vehicles impounded for various violations
- 1,195 valid vehicle documents and national driver's licences confiscated
Despite these achievements, Dahunsi expressed ongoing concern about persistent challenges that continue to threaten road safety in Benue State. These include:
- Excessive speeding by motorists
- Risky night travel practices
- Non-compliance with traffic rules, particularly within active construction zones
Acknowledgments and Future Outlook
The Sector Commander extended commendations to the Corps Marshal and the Management of the FRSC for their strategic support and guidance throughout the operation. He also praised the officers and men of the Benue Sector Command for their exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to saving lives on the state's roads.
This significant reduction in accident fatalities represents a major step forward in Benue State's ongoing efforts to create safer road environments for all users, though authorities emphasize that continued vigilance and public cooperation remain essential for sustaining these positive trends.
