The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Taraba State has commenced the 2026 Road Traffic Crash Victims Remembrance Week, drawing attention to the scale and severe consequences of crashes in the state.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, 12 November 2026, at the Press Centre in Jalingo, the state capital, during the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the Corps Commander of the FRSC in Taraba State, CC Anna Attah, said the occasion was aimed at remembering the thousands of lives lost to road traffic crashes, the families whose lives have been permanently altered, and the survivors who continue to live with physical, emotional and psychological scars.
She said the theme for this year’s commemoration is “A Light that Unites Us,” alongside the global message: “Remember, Support and Act.”
The Commander stated that the week is more than a period of remembrance. It is a solemn reminder that behind every road traffic crash statistic is a human being — someone’s father, mother, husband, wife, child, brother, sister or friend.
“Every life lost represents a dream cut short, a family thrown into mourning, and a future that may never be fulfilled,” she said.
Attah further explained that for those who survive, the journey does not always end at the crash scene. Many continue to battle disabilities, trauma, financial difficulties and the painful memories of what happened.
“As we remember the victims, we must also ask ourselves an important question: Must we continue to lose precious lives on our roads when many of these crashes are preventable?” she observed.
She noted that, globally, more than 50 million people have lost their lives in road traffic crashes since the first recorded road death, with hundreds of millions sustaining injuries. This remains a major public health and development challenge, particularly for children and young people.
Against this background, the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 seeks to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
Highlighting Nigeria’s road traffic crash statistics, which underscore the urgency of collective responsibility, the Commander disclosed that in 2023, Nigeria recorded 10,617 crashes, resulting in 5,081 deaths and 31,874 injuries. In 2024, crashes reduced to 9,570, representing a 10 per cent decline, but fatalities increased by 7 per cent to 5,421, while 31,154 persons sustained injuries.
In 2025, 10,446 crashes were recorded, claiming 5,289 lives and injuring 33,400 persons. Between January and September 2026, 7,156 crashes were recorded, resulting in 3,445 deaths and 22,292 injuries.
In Taraba State, between January and October 2026, 115 crashes took place, throwing communities into grief, largely due to excessive speed and dangerous driving.
She said driving behaviour remained a major contributor to road traffic crashes. Every reckless decision on the road has the potential to extinguish a life and leave behind a family in perpetual sorrow.
“We must therefore recognise road safety as both a collective responsibility and a moral obligation. Road traffic crashes do not happen by accident alone. Many are linked to human errors and deliberate violations of traffic regulations — excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, overloading, fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance and disregard for traffic signs and signals,” she pointed out.
According to her, the responsibility for safer roads belongs to all, through the adoption of a safe system approach.
Government agencies must strengthen road safety policies and enforcement. Transport operators must prioritise safety over profit. Drivers must exercise discipline and responsibility, while passengers and pedestrians must also play their part in promoting safe road use.
“As a Corps dedicated to saving lives on Nigerian roads, the Federal Road Safety Corps remains committed to its mandate of reducing road traffic crashes and creating safer motoring environments for all road users,” she assured.
She said enforcement alone cannot guarantee safety. “We need a change of attitude, a change of behaviour and a collective commitment to responsible road use.”
“This year’s global message — ‘Remember, Support, Act’ — captures exactly what this week represents: to remember those who have lost their lives and honour their memories; to support crash survivors, bereaved families and everyone affected by road traffic crashes; and to act by making responsible choices, obeying traffic regulations and advocating safer roads.”
“We must also recognise the courage and dedication of first responders, FRSC personnel, medical professionals, emergency rescue teams and other stakeholders who work tirelessly to save lives and assist crash victims,” Attah noted.
The Commander warned that the highway is not a racetrack. “It is better to arrive safely, even if late. As this week is being observed, let us make a personal commitment to protect lives, respect other road users and ensure that no family experiences the avoidable pain of losing a loved one to a road traffic crash.”
“Our message is simple: Remember the victims. Support the survivors. Act to prevent another tragedy. Because every life matters, every journey counts, and every road user deserves to arrive alive,” she urged.
She appreciated the State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Dr Agbu Kefas and his cabinet for the logistic support provided to the Federal Road Safety Corps, Taraba Sector Command, towards ensuring the safety of lives and property in Taraba State.
