FCT road safety in peril, APRI pleads with Wike to intervene in VIO ban

By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka

Abuja

A road safety advocacy group, Accident Prevention and Rescue Initiative (APRI), has made an urgent appeal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr.

Nyesom Wike, to intervene in the court ban on the operations of the FCT Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO). The group claims the ban has led to a surge in road traffic crashes on FCT roads.

In a statement signed by APRI’s Executive Director, Amb. Fidelis Nnadi, the group lamented that the situation is avoidable if the VIOs were allowed to carry out their duties. “The ban has crippled efforts to ensure road safety in the FCT,” Nnadi stated.

APRI has called on Minister Wike to deploy all available resources to resolve the ban, emphasizing that the current situation is dire. The group’s appeal is aimed at preventing further loss of lives on FCT roads.

The statement further highlighted the alarming rise in road traffic crashes since the ban, attributing it to the absence of VIOs on the roads. APRI believes the Minister’s intervention can restore order and safety.

Road users in the FCT are reportedly suffering from the consequences of the ban, with increased risk of accidents and fatalities. APRI’s appeal underscores the need for urgent action.

The group hopes the Minister will heed their call and take necessary steps to lift the ban, ensuring safer roads for all FCT residents.