Anambra State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), yesterday, disclosed that it recorded no fewer than 23 deaths from 33 road crashes between December 17, 2021 and January 15, 2022 in the state.

Sector Commander, Adeoye Irelewuyi, also told newsmen in Awka, the state capital that 72 persons sustained various degrees of injuries from the road crashes within the period.

He also said that 473 persons were arrested for various offences, with some prosecuted. Irelewuyi, who attributed the crashes to speed limit violation, further noted that the state recorded a larger percentage of free traffic flow all through the period, especially on the Niger Bridge.

While commending the Operation Zero Crash Special Patrol team within the period, he described the operation, as part of strategies targeted at minimising road traffic crashes during the busy Yuletide season.

The number of deaths increased compared to previous years, while we recorded 23 deaths within the period, seven deaths were recorded in 2020 and 2021.

“We achieved free flow of traffic, because there was collaboration with various security agencies, as well, as the Anambra and Delta State governments.”

“Traffic on the Niger Bridge was flowing, because we kept the bridge open and we had four towing trucks, two on both sides, which assisted in removing all obstructions as quickly as possible,” he said.

Irelewuyi also said the command resolved that direct supervision would be strengthened to implement FRSC strategies, saying that he had been informed of the temporary relocation of the sector commander to Onitsha, the commercial city.

He advised motorists against over speeding, stressing that there was the need for motorists to be cautious on the road to ensure that they arrive safely in their destinations.