The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says the ongoing road reconstructions in Enugu State by the Gov Peter Mbah led administration, meet the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals on road safety.

The Sector Commander of FRSC Enugu State Command, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, made the observation on Wednesday in Enugu during a press briefing for the commemoration of the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week in the state.

The theme for the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week is: ‘Make Walking Safe, Make Cycling Safe’, and it runs from May 12 to May 18, 2025.

Agbakoba noted that with the spacious walkways and putting other necessary road furniture such as well-designed bus stops and lighting, the Gov.

According to him, with new road design with spacious walkways and other furniture made compulsory in all roads, Gov. Mbah has prioritised the safety and security of pedestrians walking in all major roads within the state.

Agbakoba noted that during the event, the FRSC stakeholders and the Command awareness would be focusing on education that dealt with safety of vulnerable road users, who were those walking and cycling within roads in cities and communities.

He explained that the event was meant to reinforce collective responsibilities in making road safer for everybody as
established in 2007 by the UN General Assembly as efforts would spotlight the need to prioritise non-motorised transportation safety.

“As a Corps, we have continued to generate strategies to meet these glaring challenges. We have intensified our public enlightenment campaigns both in the state and nationwide.

“The establishment and sustenance of road safety clubs in schools to catch-them-young and ensured walkways, Zebra Crossing and cycling lanes are incorporated into new and existing road projects.

“FRSC is also monitoring drivers’ behaviour in high-risk routes, enforce speed limits and also ensure well-structured safety education for children and youths to imbibe positive road culture and habits,” he said.

He urged road safety stakeholders in the state to sustain the call for action meant to build a road environment and culture where pedestrians and cyclists were protected and where no life was lost needlessly on the roads.

“As a lead agency in road safety administration and traffic management, FRSC will continue to drive interventions to save lives, but we cannot do this on our own; we needed everyone’s support and cooperation,” he added.

The week long event included: a press briefing, sensitisation rally and distribution of fliers, strategic visit to selected schools for safety education and Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA) visit to fleet operators.

Others are: commemorative juma’at prayer on Friday, ROSOWA visitation to orphanage homes and commemorative church service on Sunday among others. (NAN)

 At least four individuals lost their lives, and two others sustained life-threatening injuries in a fatal road accident that occurred along G.U Ake Road in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed this development in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Iringe-Koko attributed the collision, which occurred at about 11:42 p.

“The driver of a Toyota Camry, with registration number ABJ 10 EM, lost control and struck six pedestrians.

“Tragically, four of the pedestrians died at the scene, while two others sustained injuries and were immediately taken to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) for medical attention,” she explained.

She further stated that the vehicle had another occupant, identified as Benson Michael, aged 36.

According to the police spokesperson, the driver was promptly arrested and is currently undergoing interrogation.

“The accidented vehicle has been recovered and taken to the police station.

“The case will be transferred to the State Traffic Department for further investigation,” she noted.

She added that the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) mortuary.

Iringe-Koko extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that justice would be served. (NAN)

By David Torough, Abuja 

A coalition of youths under the aegis of Ukum Young Elites (UYE) has demanded an unreserved apology from former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, over alleged derogatory remarks he made about the people of Ukum Local Government Area.

The group, comprising sons and daughters of Ukum across political affiliations, condemned what they described as unprovoked and demeaning comments made by Senator Suswam during a recent meeting held at the Ukum Local Government Council Hall, Sankera.

In a viral video circulating on social media, Suswam was allegedly heard referring to the people of Ukum with derogatory expressions such as Abumeior and Undyor, which loosely translate as “fools” in Tiv.

“We view Senator Suswam’s descriptions and utterances as mockery, demeaning, and the highest level of insult to the Ukum people, whose ancestral lands have been taken over by herdsmen and bandits,” the group said in a statement signed by several community leaders, including Abraham Waroh, Prince Tyodoo Livinus, and Comrade Jacob Katyona.

They noted that the community is still mourning the loss of lives from repeated attacks by armed herdsmen, and described Suswam’s remarks as insensitive.

“It is disheartening that Suswam, who is the highest beneficiary of Ukum’s benevolence, in turn calls us fools and embarks on a mission to mock and dance on the graves of our murdered relatives,” the statement added.

The youths recalled that during Suswam’s early political career, Ukum people played a decisive role in his electoral victories, including the 1999 PDP primaries, the 2003 House of Representatives election, and the 2015 senatorial contest.

“Perhaps Suswam now sees us as fools because we have always stood for him, even when Ukum sons were in the race. We have learned our lesson nonetheless,” the group declared.

The group also accused Suswam of failing to speak out against the killings of their people by armed herders and criticized him for allegedly siding with Governor Hyacinth Alia against whom the people had protested over what they described as failure to protect lives and property.

“It appears Suswam was not in Ukum to sympathize with us over the attacks but to register his anger over our protest against Governor Alia, his friend. This is unfortunate,” the group said.

They faulted Suswam’s reported suggestion that Ukum people should be grateful to the governor for providing security support, saying security is a constitutional responsibility and not a favor.

In their words: “No one owes Governor Alia any special thanks for using the security vote. This is basic knowledge we expect from a former governor and a lawyer.”

The group demanded that Suswam tender a public apology for the statements attributed to him, insisting that Ukum people are not fools.

“Ukum’s hospitality and loyalty to Senator Suswam over the years stemmed from our cultural ties and belief in his leadership, but we will not accept insults,” the group concluded.

The statement was jointly signed by Abraham Waroh, Prince Tyodoo Livinus, Pila Daniel, Comrade Jacob Katyona, Hon. Shagba Orbeenga, Hon. Joseph O. Orverga, Udeti Aondolumun Ernest, and Comrade Yoosu Soonen.

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