FOLLOWING the recent collapse of Mokwa bridge, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed personnel to monitor traffic along Oka-Okene Expressway in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Commuters on Oka-Okene Expressway have been suffering untold hardship as a result of the heavy traffic caused by collapse of two bridges linking the northern and southern parts of the country in Mokwa, Niger State.
The bridge collapse had forced motorist, who would have ordinarily plied Jebba-Mokwa Road, to use the Lokoja-Okene-Oka Road, thereby creating a serious traffic gridlock on the road, which men of the corps have been having a hectic time.
The Zonal Commander in charge of Osun, Ondo and Oyo, Mr. Augustine Aipoh, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Oka Akoko during a special intervention patrol of the FRSC.
Aipoh said that the deployment came as result of diversion of long vehicles from Mokwa-Jebba Road and to “ensure that travelers do not sleep on the road”.
“We are here, on the directive of theCorp Marshall, to find way of controlling this serious traffic along this axis. As you can see, there has been a great increase in volume of traffic here. This was caused as a result of Mokwa/Jebba bridge collapse which the Federal Government is making effort to fix now.
“We have deployed about 40 additional staff, towing vehicles, reflecting jackets, torch lights, ambulance and other necessary things to help control the situation.
“And we believe that with this deployment, normalcy will return to the road and the situation will be brought under control because our work is an humanitarian job,” he said.
According to him, the additional 40 staff who were deployed to support those that were already on ground, would be on the road from 6 a.m to 8 p.m everyday till the situation is totally under control.
Aipoh, who said that the officers deployed were from Osogbo and Akure offices, implored all heavy trucks and long vehicles owners to fix their vehicles before embarking on any journey.
The commander also charged the staff to be more dedicated to their duties during the period of their stay on the road.
“Let the community know that you are responsible persons and try as much as possible not to bring disgrace to the corps,” he admonished
Similarly, the Ondo State Sector Commander, Mr. Vincent Jack, said that the additional staff would be on road for two weeks to see to traffic control in the area.
“They are going to spend two weeks here and the corps may still add another batch if it is necessary,” Jack added.
While the Olubaka of Oka Akoko, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, appreciated the corps marshal for his quick intervention to tackle the menace on the road, saying ”This is the only road that links the south to the north and many lives have been lost along the corridors.
“Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the Corp Marshall for the wonderful job he is doing throughout the federation and we are feeling his impact concerning our road here.”
The monarch assured the corps of his readiness to support FRSC in the town, urging government to find a lasting solution to the road.
