By Ude Ogbonnaya Israel
The Zonal Commanding Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corp zone 12 covering Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states Yakubu Mohammed has lamented the high death rates linked to raod crashes calling on special Marshals for more helping hands.
He made this known on Saturday in Bauchi while declaring open a one-day 2025 sectoral workshop for special marshals anchored on the theme: Enhancing Security and Strategies for Special Marshal Operation.
The FRSC boss revealed that Bauchi State recorded 283 road traffic crashes in 2024, which resulted to 152 deaths and 1,402 injuries adding that special Marshals as volunteer arm of the Corp plays critical role in reducing road crashes.
Yakubu Mohammed however cautioned the special Marshals to pay close attention to their personal safety, discipline and collaboration and continuous training by leveraging technology
In his opening remark, the Chairman of the occasion and special adviser to the governor on political matters Abubakar Ahmed Faggo said security and safety on the road cannot be over emphasized urging them to practice what they learn.
Earlier in his welcome address, the state coordinator Special Marshals Godwin Obioha explained that the essence of the workshop is to be up to date on the things to do to have a more secured road for all .
He said, “The purpose of today’s workshop is to update our skills, share best practices or address current address current challenges like driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances, overloading, reckless driving, speed limif enforcement and other traffic infringements.
“It is essentially to bring us up to date on how to be security conscious and strategize in order to have a flawless operation”, he added.
The special Marshal coordinator who appreciated Governor Bala Mohammed on his contributions to safer roads through road infrastructure noted that they deal with traffic control, management and safer roads among others.
Sister security agencies that graced the occasion with pledge for their continued collaboration for safer roads include the Nigeria Army, police, custom, NSCDC, as well as Bauchi State roads traffic agency (BAROTA).