The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigerian Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has shed light on a concerning issue: road crashes in Nigeria claim more innocent lives than insecurity, according to police records.
Adejobi made this revelation in response to a Twitter user’s comment urging Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to observe the organization of police stations in Dubai, where accidents and seized vehicles are notably absent.
The user’s tweet, prompted by Adejobi’s earlier post sharing pictures of IGP Kayode Egbetokun attending the World Police Summit in Dubai, expressed a desire for Nigerian police stations to mirror the cleanliness and orderliness observed in Dubai.
In his reply, Adejobi clarified that the presence of accidents and seized vehicles at police stations is primarily a legal issue, often stemming from reckless driving behavior rather than solely the fault of the police force.
Police Not Responsible for Vehicles at Stations, Road Crashes Kill More Nigerians Than Insecurity (Credits: X)
He emphasized the stark contrast between driving culture in Dubai and Nigeria, noting that in Dubai, stringent regulations require drivers to be certified and licensed, fostering a culture of respect for traffic laws.
Adejobi highlighted the lack of compliance and disregard for laws among Nigerian drivers, which contributed significantly to the high rate of road crashes witnessed in the country.
Drawing attention to the severity of the situation, Adejobi underscored the alarming number of lives lost to road crashes, surpassing those lost to insecurity incidents, as evidenced by police records.
He concluded by stressing the legal constraints faced by the police in disposing of seized vehicles, reiterating the need for adherence to due process.
In essence, Adejobi’s statements shed light on the urgent need for a shift in driving culture and enforcement of traffic regulations to mitigate the devastating impact of road crashes on innocent lives in Nigeria.
