Nine Months, No Deaths — FRSC Tames Ugwu-Onyema Blackspot

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has recorded zero deaths and a significant reduction in road crashes within the past nine months along the notorious Ugwu-Onyema axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

The Sector Commander of FRSC Enugu State Command, Mr. Franklin Agbakoba, disclosed this during the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaign held in Enugu, with the theme “Take Responsibility for Your Safety, Stop Distracted Driving.”

Agbakoba attributed the achievement to sustained enforcement of traffic regulations, including strict lane discipline, prohibition of driving against traffic, and sanctions on route violations.

He noted that aside from the tragic January 25, 2025 tanker explosion that claimed 23 lives, the command had since recorded no crash-related fatalities on the Ugwu-Onyema corridor.

According to him, swift intervention by FRSC personnel and the fire service also prevented casualties during a diesel-laden tanker accident on September 25, 2025. He said the prompt diversion of traffic to the Ngwo community road and real-time media alerts helped safeguard lives and property.

Agbakoba revealed that plans were underway to establish a 24-hour task force and a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at the Ugwu-Onyema axis in collaboration with the Enugu State Government and other security agencies.

The sector commander further announced that all backlogs of driver’s licenses had been produced following the upgrade of FRSC’s license production equipment nationwide, urging applicants to visit the command for collection.

He appreciated the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, for his continuous support and also commended Governor Peter Mbah for his commitment to road safety, calling for more patrol vehicles and ambulances to enhance field operations.

On the Ember Months campaign, Agbakoba said the FRSC would intensify enforcement against violations such as speeding, driving under the influence, phone use while driving, and failure to use seat belts.

He added that more personnel and Special Marshals would be deployed across major highways, with free vehicle checks, motor park rallies, and town-hall meetings organized to boost safety awareness.

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of FRSC Special Marshals, Mr. Anthony Orji, assured that the team would remain committed to crash prevention and effective traffic management, particularly around the 9th Mile–Ugwu-Onyema corridor.