Road accident claims 25 lives in Enugu 

A tragic road accident at Ugwu Onyeama in Enugu State along the Enugu-Onitsha federal highway has claimed the lives of at least 25 people. According to reports on Wednesday, the accident involved 10 vehicles, including both private and commercial buses. The crash is believed to have been caused by a Nigerian Army checkpoint. Many individuals with severe injuries are currently being transported to hospitals in and around the state capital. An eyewitness reported that a truck failed to brake and collided with multiple vehicles that had stopped on the hilly road, leading to the unfortunate loss of lives. A trailer traveling on the newly constructed lane experienced brake failure and crashed into more than 10 vehicles, both private and commercial. “The army checkpoint at that axis continues to claim lives. “More than 25 persons lost their life instantly and many rushed to the hospital,” one of the eyewitnesses reportedly said.

FRSC Seeks FG’s Approval To Bear Firearms

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has put forth an urgent appeal to the government for permission to carry firearms.  The request comes in the light of increasing concerns about the safety of its personnel, who often face attacks from road users and criminals while performing their duties. Corps Marshal Dauda Biu conveyed this plea during the inauguration of 1,762 newly trained FRSC personnel in Kontagora, Niger State, on Saturday. Represented by the Deputy Corps Marshal Shehu Zaki, Biu stressed the necessity of arming FRSC members to ensure their protection amidst the current security challenges in the country. The FRSC has been pursuing approval to bear arms since 1992, and the rising insecurity in Nigeria has amplified the urgency of this request.  Biu emphasized, “Right now, looking at the level of insecurity in the country, it is not out of place for the FRSC to start using arms to enable us to protect ourselves when the need arises.” While making this appeal, Biu also called on the newly trained personnel to exhibit unwavering dedication, discipline, honour, integrity, accountability, transparency, courtesy, confidentiality, decency, loyalty, and team spirit in the performance of their duties. Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, for granting the FRSC access to the training facility and commended the army trainers for their crucial role in ensuring the success of the training exercise.