By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
Six persons have cheated death and one died in two separate road accidents in Lokoja, Kogi state capital on Monday.
Our Correspondent reports that the first accident involving Commercial motorcycle popularly called “Okada” and an articulated vehicle which collided on Murtala Mohammed road in Lokoja.
Eyewitness account revealed that upon collision,the Commercial motorcycle rider flung under the articulated vehicles coming on opposite direction, smashed and died instantly.
Our Correspondent reports that the sketchy account of the second accident occured at Banda axis of Lokoja-Abuja high way, where six persons escaped death but various degrees of injury.
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps,FRSC in kogi state,Corps Commander Stephen Dawulung, who confirmed the incident said the body of the Commercial motorcyclist had been deposited at the Morgue of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja.
Dawulung described the first incident as unfortunate, given the manner it happened which left no little chance for the deceased to escape death.
He lamented the reckless attitude of both tricycle and motorcycle riders in the state’s highways that has caused the death and injury of many innocent people.
“Most times you see them competing on the roads for no just cause but only to put their lives and those of their passengers at risk.
“The result of such bad road usage has always been auto crashes and jeopardizing lives, ” the Sector Commander Commander said.
He commiserated with the family of the victim, advised motorcyclists to adhere to stipulated speed limit, avoid contesting with other vehicles and observe safety protocols such as the use of helmets in order to eradicate the risk of being involved in crashes.
“My officers who were on hand shortly after the incident, rushed the victims to the hospital for medical treatment, ” he added.
He said that the incident which happened at Navy base checking point Banda, on Koton Karfe -Lokoja road (Lokoja-Abuja high way) in the evening of Monday as a result of speeding.
The sector commander warned motorists against non observance of traffic rules and regulations and speeding, especially during raining season, stressing that brakes were hardly effective.
“With the onset of the rains, road surfaces are normally slippery. This situation is normally complicated by poor visibility when driving in the rain.
“Drivers should therefore avoid speed to enable them have firm control over their vehicles at emergency times, ” he urged.
