By Rauf Oyewole
The Deputy Corps Marshal, Special Duties and External Relations, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Pauline Olaye has warned special marshals in Bauchi State to prioritise their safety on the road while on voluntary duty.
Olaye, who spoke at a one-day workshop for special marshals in Bauchi on Saturday, said that it is saddening seeing special marshals being knocked down for voluntarily preaching safety of other road users.
According to her, officials of the road agency face challenges ranging from insecurity on the highways, public apathy, and misinformation, to the rising risks associated with road traffic management. “Therefore, ensuring the safety and security of our Special Marshals during operations is not just desirable, it is imperative. No one can effectively advocate for safety if they themselves operate in unsafe conditions.”
Represented by the Zonal Commanding Officer (RS12) Bauchi, Yakubu Mohammed, urged the special marshals to study the environment they operate in. According to her, “Some of the road users have eye impairment or are under the influence of drugs, it is not proper to face a vehicle head-on, your safety first.”
Also speaking, the Zonal Commanding Officer, Yakubu Mohammed described the special marshals as men and women of proven integrity who dedicate their time, resources, and passion to ensuring that roads are safe. “Your service is invaluable,” he said.
He said globally, road traffic crashes cause nearly 1.3 million preventable deaths and an estimated 50 million injuries each year, making it the leading killer of children and young people worldwide. Mohammed said that “as things stand, they are set to cause a further estimated 13 million deaths and 500 million injuries during the next decade and hinder sustainable development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.”
He added that in 2024, Bauchi state recorded a total of 283 road traffic crashes (RTCs), where 152 persons died and 1,402 were injured. “These avoidable deaths are unacceptable, and we must all rise to keep to our mandate in making the roads safe; however, before we can make the roads safe, first of all, we must be safe and secured.”
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