Road crash fatalities drop in Ogun, but 161 lives lost

The Ogun State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported a reduction in road crashes, fatalities and injuries across the state during the first five months of 2026.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ota, the command’s spokesperson, Mr Afolabi Odunsi, said 415 road traffic crashes were recorded between January and May. The incidents claimed 161 lives, while 1,007 people sustained injuries of varying severity.

According to him, the figures represent an improvement over the corresponding period in 2025, when the state recorded 494 crashes, 212 deaths and 1,121 injuries.

Odunsi attributed the decline to sustained public education campaigns carried out by FRSC personnel across the state.

“This feat couldn’t have been achieved if not for the intensive public enlightenment by the FRSC personnel educating the public on road safety measures.”

Despite the encouraging trend, he said motorists’ disregard for traffic regulations remains the leading cause of crashes. He identified speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous overtaking, using mobile phones while driving, overloading vehicles and tyre bursts as some of the major contributing factors.

He appealed to road users to exercise greater caution and comply with traffic laws.

“We are appealing to the motorists to adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations in order to prevent unnecessary loss of lives through road crashes.”

Odunsi reaffirmed the command’s resolve to improve road safety through strict enforcement of traffic regulations alongside continuous public awareness campaigns.