Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Sector Command, has cautioned transport unions and motorists on road safety rules to ensure a crash-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration in the state.

This warning came during a public enlightenment rally on road safety campaign by the command in Abeokuta, which aligns with directives from the National Headquarters, to sensitise the motoring public on the necessity for safe driving habits during and after the festive period.

During the rally, FRSC personnel met with transport unions, distributed safety flyers and used megaphones to engage directly with drivers and commuters at the parks, ensuring that road safety messages reached the heart of the motoring community.

The Sector Commander, Akinwunmi Fasakin, while leading the exercise, which commenced from the Sector Command Headquarters and culminated at the busy Panseke Motor Park, said the campaign was imperative to save lives during the celebration.

Fasakin, who was represented by the Sector Head of Operations, a Deputy Corps Commander, Samuel Ogundayo, urged transport unions, stakeholders and motorists to shun “critical offences” that often lead to avoidable tragedies.

He specifically mentioned avoidable tragedies such as excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, overloading of passengers and goods, use of mobile phones behind the wheel and driving under the influence of alcohol or tired state.

The goal of the rally, Fasakin said, was to create a crash-free atmosphere for travellers and merry-makers to reach their destination safely.

In Lagos, the General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), OlalekanBakare-Oki, assured residents of seamless traffic flow during the festive period.

In a goodwill message, Bakare-Oki commended the Muslim faithful for their devotion, discipline and patience throughout the Ramadan fast, urging them to sustain those virtues in their daily activities, particularly in complying with traffic regulations.

He stressed that LASTMA would maintain strict enforcement of traffic laws before, during and after the celebrations, warning that the agency would adopt zero tolerance for as reckless driving, illegal parking, one-way driving and other infractions capable of endangering lives and disrupting traffic.

“While we celebrate this important occasion, all road users must exercise caution and strictly adhere to traffic rules. LASTMA will not tolerate any action that puts lives at risk or hinders the free flow of traffic,” he said.

The LASTMA boss further disclosed that a comprehensive traffic management plan had been activated to ensure smooth vehicular movement across major roads and high-activity areas in the state.

According to him, personnel have been strategically deployed to highways, major intersections and locations expected to witness increased socio-religious activities, with officers set to carry out round-the-clock , in collaboration with other security and emergency agencies.

Bakare-Oki called on residents to cooperate with traffic officials, remain patient and obey road safety rules, noting collective responsibility as key to maintaining order and preventing congestion during the festivities.

He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to efficient traffic management, particularly during peak periods, in line with its mandate to ensure a safer and more effective transportation system in Lagos.

Meanwhile, the Lagos Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 2,250 officers and men to ensure adequate security and protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

The State Commandant, AdedotunKeshinro, said the deployments were to foil suspicious attacks often perpetrated by miscreants and unscrupulous criminal elements, who usually carry out dastardly acts to subvert the good efforts of the state during festive periods.

He stressed that the command had also deployed heavily data-driven intelligence and robust operational strategy capable of yielding the needed peace and security before, during and after the celebration.

According to him, it is important to ensure the speedy deployment of security personnel before, during and after the celebration because of the importance attached to it, as the period will also witness movement of citizens and visitors from various states and countries into Lagos.

He further stated that the operational strategies emplaced in the command would also help to rid the state of criminal elements and eradicate the nefarious activities of vandals and other criminal elements that could be inimical to the economic development of the state during and after the celebration.

The commandant charged officers and men across all formations to bring the right and appropriate impetus on board to protect all strategic locations, public and private assets and infrastructure, points, facilities, right of ways, oil pipelines, worship centres, parks, gardens and more in the state.

Warning the officers and men to be on red alert as they discharge their duties without fear or favour, he charged them to remain professional, competent and respect the rights and privileges of the civil populace, in the course of carrying out their duties before, during and after the celebrations.