In a bid to prevent future truck accidents in Anambra State, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has engaged the Truck Union and relevant stakeholders to implement cautionary measures aimed at ensuring road safety.
During a meeting held on March 19, 2025, at the Police Command headquarters in Awka, CP Orutugu emphasized the need for collaboration between the Police, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other agencies to enhance safety standards for truck drivers and owners.
The engagement follows a tragic accident on March 15, 2025, at Upper Iweka, Onitsha, where a truck lost control, ramming into pedestrians, two tricycles, and a commercial bus loaded with passengers. The accident claimed six lives and left several others injured.
Describing the incident as preventable, CP Orutugu outlined key strategies to enhance road safety, including:
– Risk Assessments: Identifying potential hazards and mitigating risks before they lead to accidents.
– Regular Vehicle Inspections: Ensuring trucks are in proper working condition to prevent mechanical failures.
– Safety Training: Educating drivers on responsible driving practices and adherence to traffic regulations.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to preventing avoidable tragedies and improving road safety across the state.
The meeting had in attendance the Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Anambra, JN Alexander, senior police officers, representatives of tipper drivers and truck owners, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the 29 Squadron Mobile Police Base, and several Divisional Police Officers.