Ondo FRSC reports 48% drop in road crashes, 51 deaths
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Federal Road Safety Corps has reported a sharp decline in road traffic crashes and fatalities across Ondo State, attributing the improvement to intensified enforcement, public enlightenment, and sustained advocacy campaigns.
Speaking in Akure during the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crash Victims, state Sector Commander Dr. Samuel Ibitoye disclosed that total incidents plummeted from 275 in 2025 to 144 in 2026.
Consequently, the number of recorded deaths dropped significantly from 147 to 51 over the corresponding period.
Furthermore, serious crashes were nearly halved from 183 to 94, while minor incidents fell from 16 to 11 and total injuries decreased from 760 to 422.
Attributing this success to heightened vigilance, Ibitoye highlighted sustained public education alongside stricter highway monitoring to curb dangerous driving habits such as overloading and poor vehicle maintenance.
In particular, he cited the command’s targeted initiative, Operation Guduma Phase Two, which actively sanctioned motorists for excessive speeding, driving without number plates, and using fake registration details.
Looking ahead to the heightened travel demands of the ember months and approaching Christmas festivities, the sector commander urged motorists to exercise patience, maintain roadworthy vehicles, and recognize that road safety remains a collective responsibility.
Echoing these calls, State Special Marshal Coordinator Adebayo Oladeji concluded by advising drivers to strictly obey traffic regulations and take all necessary precautions to prevent further avoidable deaths on the roads.
