FRSC deploys 2,500 personnel, 50 vehicles for Osun poll

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 2,500 personnel and 50 vehicles to Osun State in preparation for the gubernatorial election taking place on Saturday. This deployment, spanning the three senatorial districts and all functional regions in the state, aims to manage traffic, respond to emergencies, clear road blockages and enforce movement restrictions during the election.

According to the FRSC, the personnel include 2,300 from the Osun Sector Command and 50 from each of the Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo and Ogun sector commands. The operational vehicles consist of seven heavy-duty tow trucks and six ambulances, positioned at key locations for emergency response and rescue operations.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, emphasized that the deployment is in line with their mandate to ensure a safe, orderly and accessible electoral process. He stressed that the FRSC personnel would operate with professionalism, impartiality and respect for human rights.

Moreover, the FRSC will certify vehicles provided by fleet operators for transporting electoral materials to ensure they meet safety standards. A Train-the-Trainer workshop will also be organized to enhance the skills of the deployed personnel, involving representatives from the FRSC, Nigeria Police Force, Independent National Electoral Commission, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The FRSC warned against vehicle overloading, as it endangers lives and damages roads. They plan to strictly enforce movement restrictions within designated areas during the election. Motorists, transport operators and other road users are advised to plan their journeys, adhere to lawful traffic directives and avoid restricted routes.

FRSC personnel will be involved in traffic control, crowd management, obstruction clearance and rescue operations before, during and after the election. They will work in synergy with the police and other security agencies, strictly adhering to their statutory responsibilities and the oath of neutrality required by the Electoral Act.