By Golok Nanmwa,Jos
Executive Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Area, Hon. Pirfa Jingfa Tyem, on Monday called on the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to intensify the enforcement of safety measures at motor parks, particularly against over-speeding and overloading, following a fatal road traffic accident in Langtang town.
The accident occurred at about 3:00am at Zangzat Roundabout, Langtang, involving a Plateau State–registered truck with plate number JJN 383 YZ, which was conveying marketers and goods from Yelwa to Kano.
Preliminary reports indicate that the crash was caused by over-speeding and overloading, resulting in the death of six persons, while thirteen others sustained injuries of varying degrees.
The Executive Chairman made the call while leading a council delegation to assess the scene of the accident, where he expressed deep concern over the recurring loss of lives caused by reckless driving practices. He stressed the need for transport unions, particularly the NURTW, to caution drivers, especially truck drivers and enforce compliance with road safety regulations.
Speaking during the visit, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) spokesperson, Jesse Ivan, disclosed that road safety officials have been directed to intensify sensitization and enforcement visits to markets and motor parks, with emphasis on discouraging perching on overloaded vehicles and enforcing speed limits.
Also speaking, the Council Secretary, Gwamzhi Danjuma, highlighted the dangers associated with overloading, describing it as a major cause of road traffic accidents, especially involving heavy-duty vehicles.
A statement signed by Kum Precious Yakubu ,the Chief Press Secretary
Langtang North Local Government council reads that as part of the visit, the Executive Chairman proceeded to the General Hospital, Langtang, where he sympathized with victims of the accident and other patients receiving treatment at the facility.
In a show of compassion, Hon. Tyem donated an undisclosed amount of money to assist in offsetting hospital bills for the victims of the accident as well as other patients across the male ward, female ward, and delivery ward who were present at the time of his visit.
The Chairman explained that the gesture was aimed at easing the financial burden on patients and their families.
He was also informed that families of some of the accident victims had already transferred their injured relatives to other medical facilities for further medical attention prior to the visit.
Hon. Tyem extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Langtang North Local Government Council to working closely with FRSC, NURTW, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen road safety awareness and prevent future tragedies.