The Federal Road Safety Corps on Tuesday disclosed that 98 people lost their lives while 1,345 others sustained injuries in road traffic crashes across Gombe State between January and September 2026.
The figure represents a six per cent increase in fatalities compared with the corresponding period, raising fresh concerns over road safety in the state.
The FRSC Sector Commander in Gombe State, Commander Samson Kaura, disclosed this on while addressing exco members of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists during the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Kaura attributed the rising casualties largely to excessive speeding and reckless driving, warning that motorists’ disregard for traffic regulations continued to turn roads into death traps.
He said, “We recorded 1,345 road traffic incidents between January and September 2026, resulting in 98 deaths and 1,345 injuries. The fatalities represent a six per cent increase compared with the corresponding period.”
Expressing concern over the worsening figures, the sector commander noted that the number of people killed within nine months of 2026 had already exceeded the fatalities recorded throughout 2025.
According to him, the command recorded 1,614 road traffic incidents in 2025, with 92 deaths and 926 injuries.
Kaura described the World Day of Remembrance as more than an annual commemorative event, saying it was an opportunity to turn the painful memories of road crash victims into practical measures that would save lives.
He said, “The day provides an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives or sustained serious injuries in road traffic crashes, while drawing attention to the need for stronger legal responses to traffic offences that result in deaths and injuries.”
He added that the campaign was also designed to improve support for survivors and bereaved families, while encouraging evidence-based interventions to prevent road crashes.
Kaura called for collective responsibility among motorists, government agencies and other stakeholders, stressing that reducing road fatalities required deliberate action and responsible road use.
In his response, chairman of Gombe NUJ, Faruk Muazu, assured the FRSC of the union’s continued partnership in promoting road safety awareness and development.
Represented by the Vice Chairman of the Gombe State NUJ Council, Emmanuel Akila, urged the corps to deepen its collaboration with the NUJ to tackle the activities of individuals impersonating journalists in the state.
He said, “We urge the FRSC to work closely with the union in identifying and checking the activities of fake journalists. Proper identification should be demanded during official engagements and other activities involving the corps to prevent impersonation and protect the integrity of the profession.”