Benue FRSC Reports 47.6% Drop in Ember Month Road Deaths

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Benue State Command, has reported a significant reduction in road fatalities during the 2025/2026 year-end “ember months,” with a 47.6% drop in deaths compared to the previous period.

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The announcement was made by the Sector Commander, Kehinde Dahunsi, during a press briefing held on Friday in Makurdi.

According to Dahunsi, the Ember Month Road Safety Operations, codenamed Operation Zero, ran from 15 December 2025 to 15 January 2026, a period traditionally characterized by heavy vehicular movement due to festive travels and commercial activity.

Despite ongoing road construction and rehabilitation works that caused diversions and increased hazards, the command achieved notable operational successes.

“The total road traffic crashes during the period dropped from 41 in the previous ember season to 32, representing a 21.9% reduction,” Dahunsi said.

“Fatal crashes declined from 12 to 8, serious crashes reduced slightly from 20 to 19, and minor crashes dropped from 9 to 5.”

A total of 178 persons were involved in road traffic crashes, compared with 196 in the previous year.

Of these, 11 persons lost their lives, and 63 sustained injuries, while 87 persons were rescued without injury, remaining constant from the previous year.

Dahunsi attributed the improved road safety outcomes to intensified patrols, high-visibility enforcement, and the deployment of mobile courts, which enhanced compliance and deterred traffic violations.

Notable improvements were observed in seat belt usage, crash helmets, and adherence to speed limits.

During the exercise, 2,028 traffic offenders were apprehended for 2,128 offences, while 833 vehicles were impounded, and 1,195 valid vehicle documents and driver’s licenses were confiscated.

Despite these gains, Dahunsi expressed concerns over persistent challenges such as speeding, night travel, and non-compliance with traffic rules, particularly around construction zones.

The Sector Commander praised the FRSC Corps Marshal and management for strategic support and commended officers for their dedication and professionalism during the operation.

He urged motorists to continue practicing safe driving habits throughout 2026.