Articulated Vehicles As Vessels Of Carnage In FCT, Niger State

Roads play a very important part in a nation’s infrastructure development but most Nigerian roads are currently in bad shape leading to negative economic effects. The total economic effects of such bad roads on the nation, the health of the citizens, the operation of businesses, the safety of lives and properties are unquantifiable.

Although the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has blamed the accident on these roads on tyre bursts and speed violations, dangerous parking which has led to injuries and death of commuters and road users.

An inspection across major highways and some inner-city roads show that some of the roads have received little attention from the federal and state government in recent months, as motorists lament the burden and cost of commuting.

Findings by LEADERSHIP Weekend revealed that motorists are going through agony on roads in some of the federal roads as many are replete with potholes, making driving one hell of a nightmare especially when it is raining and spending unwarranted loss of time.

On the contrary, motorists also spent their earnings on repairs caused by potholes, often through-axle and suspension failure as potholes do cause instant damage to cars such as bursting tyres and windshield damage (which may not be covered by your insurance policy) however, both are dangerous and expensive to repair. In all, damaged tyres also add a huge cost to a vehicle’s annual maintenance bill.

Parking of articulated trucks indiscriminately on Abaji–Gwagwalada express road, Zuba-Kaduna road, and Maraba-Nyanya axis have become a serious menace to residents and road users in the Federal Capital Territory as on daily basis leading to unending gridlock and other truck menaces.

However, amidst concerted efforts by concerned agencies, especially the FCT Traffic Management Team, which comprise of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) to stop carnages perpetrated by articulated vehicles including trailers, trucks on major highways across the country, the apparent recklessness of trailer drivers still accounts for a good number of deaths recorded on the road.

Truth be told the rate at which articulated vehicles have taken over major roads of Abuja, has become a nightmare to smaller vehicles who on daily basis feel that they are no longer safe while plying major roads, because of the recklessness of trailer drivers when on the motion.

However, it is not out of place to state that the recurring road mishaps and human and material carnage which have characterized the Abaji–Gwagwalada express road, Zuba-Kaduna road, and Nyanya axis of the Abuja- Keffi road in the Federal Capital Territory have become a nightmare for motorists and residents.

Residents believe that the issue of trailer drivers taking over Abuja roads is not something that should be ignored, because such development seriously posed dangers to motorists and pedestrians.

When LEADERSHIP Weekend visited Abaji–Gwagwalada express road, it was observed that apart from taking over the roads when they are in motion, they have also taken over the roadside as their new terminus which is obviously hazardous to road users, mostly at night and when it is raining heavily.

This development has made residents seek concerted efforts to halt the loss of lives and properties occasioned by incessant accidents caused by trailer drivers on the road.

For instance, in Nyanya axis of the Abuja-Keffi road which is often described as a chaotic corridor of the FCT popularly known for its lengthy and heavy traffic gridlock during peak periods, starting from about 5 am to about 2 pm when the vast population of the area working within the Federal Capital Territory are going to work, and a chaotic return around 4 pm which last till 10 pm daily, when the residents make it back to their residences, it is always a tiring journey daily.

It is not uncommon to see trailers in their hundreds park on the road shoulders of the highway while others are seen jostling with workers from both the private and public sectors as well as other business owners while going to work.

‘’It is always a herculean task going to work and returning home daily, I have to wake up by 5 am to get to work early. If I wake up by 6 pm I don’t find it funny.

‘’Besides this, the dreams and aspirations of many Nigerians are usually cut short by accidents on these roads. I can say that your likely contributions to the growth and development of your families, communities, and Nigeria can be terminated on these roads,’’ said Musa Mohammed, a private security guard.

3 die as tons of UNICEF supplements gutted in Niger truck accident

In what seems to e a regular and sad occurrence in three persons have been confirmed dead, and a Bauchi State-bound truckload of therapeutic supplements of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) gutted after two trucks collided in Niger State.

An eyewitness while describing the accident as unfortunate, who spoke to our correspondent but requested anonymity, stated that the accident happened on the 29th of March, 2023, adding that about two other persons incurred severe injuries after the accident.

According to the witness, the trailer, with plate number BBR709XB was loaded from the Lekki zone area with UNICEF ready-to-use therapeutic drugs to be delivered to Bauchi state. The drug was loaded on the 28th of last month heading to Bauchi. But, reaching Lambatta in Niger state, the truck driver, a faithful Muslim, parked to be able to break his fast.

“So, in this process, another truck a low bed conveying a payloader head going to Abuja, rushed a tanker loaded with PMS that was directly parked in front of the trailer conveying the UNICEF therapeutic drugs and in this process the trailer exploded and destroyed so many other trucks and the truck was completely burnt.

“The driver was 95 degrees burnt as recorded when he was conveyed to the hospital, where he was later transferred from Niger state to Kano and about 3 days later he died. The driver of the low bed and the motor boy were caught up in the fire and burnt in the process,” he added.

Speaking exclusively with LEADERSHIP Weekend, the chairman FCT Traffic Management Team, Ikharo Attah, said many accidents and injuries can be prevented by following certain safety procedures.

Ikharo urged the drivers to always wear their seatbelts and avoid using cell phones while driving.

He also urged drivers to avoid drugs and alcohol, saying while it may sound obvious, drunk driving is very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

Ikharo said drugs include anything that impairs your judgment or physical faculties, such as medications that may cause drowsiness.

He also urged them to plan their trip and sleep well, and maintain ample stopping distance between.

To halt the menace of trailer drivers during peak periods, he said, the FCT Traffic Management Team has a Truck Timing Team and their job is to stop any articulated truck moving during peak periods.

For, the Lambata incidence, he said he can not comment as it is beyond the scope of FCTA.