From Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has blamed a multiple accident along the Benin-Ore Expressway in which six trucks were burnt to ashes, on the activities of armed robbers.
The unit commander of the corps at the Benin toll gate, Adewale Ameen, said there was an armed robbery attack at kilometre 33, Benin-Ore Expressway on Saturday night.
Ameen said the robbery incident caused a container to fall across the road and two other unsuspecting trucks in an attempt to escape from the robbers on getting to the scene, rammed into the container.
He, however added that no life was lost.
“The unfortunate thing was that a truck laden with 33, 000 litres of petrol rammed into the other trucks which caught fire. But I can confirm that no live was lost in the accident and our men are on ground to control traffic,” the unit commander said.
Meanwhile, the commission on Monday in Abuja inaugurated bicycle riding as means of transportation to reduce traffic on roads and promote healthy living.
The Corps Marshal of FRSC, Osita Chidoka, said the inauguration was part of Africa Road Safety Day 2013 and World Day of Remembring Road Traffic Crash Victims.
Chidoka, who was represented by Danjuma Garba, Deputy Corps Marshal in charge of Motor Vehicle Administration, said the campaign was to show that riding of bicycles is a healthy physical exercise.
“Physically, people live longer when they use bicycles and the campaign is aimed at getting every road user in this country to embrace the use of bicycles. This is necessary so that we have safer roads,” he said.
The official added that even in terms of promoting a healthy environment, riding bicycles helps to reduce pollution and traffic congestion.
He appealed to government to provide road infrastructure tailored toward accommodating the rights of bicycle riders on high ways and also urged bicycle riders to ride safely using their helmets.
Chairman governing Board of FRSC, Felix Chukwu, said the inauguration was symbolic because it drew people’s attention to the wisdom in riding bicycles.
Chukwu, who explained that the event was also to remember victims of road accident, called for conscious efforts to encourage the use of bicycles in the country.
“When you ride bicycle, you are exercising yourself and this habit of going from one little point to another in a car should be discouraged,” he added.