News Investigators/ Some commercial transport operators in Cross River have identified bad roads and multiple security checkpoints as challenges to smooth travelling during the Christmas.
Bernard Akim, a commercial transporter told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar that the roads were deplorable.
Mr Akim who operates along the Calabar-Akamkpa corridor, said that the roads connecting Calabar to other local government areas in the state were in terrible state of disrepair.
“The roads are dusty and bumpy, so traveling is stressful, we now spend more time on the road during each journey,” he said.
Another commercial driver, Bassey Etuk, said that the security checkpoints on the roads was another challenge to smooth travelling.
“I am not saying that it is wrong to have police checkpoints, my worry is that their interest is to extort drivers,” he said.
Mr Etuk expressed worries that policemen at checkpoints molested and harassed drivers irrespective of the directives by the Inspector-General of Police.
He said that federal roads in the state required urgent repairs to enable safe and smooth journey.
“The Federal Government has to declare state of emergency on roads in the state. They need to quickly commence work now that the weather is friendly,” he said.
Joyce Ekanem, a resident of Odukpani, told NAN that the level of extortion at security checkpoints along the roads was worrisome.
Mrs Ekanem urged the police authorities to take stringent measures towards tackling corruption among officers on highway duties.
She also urged the federal and state governments to recognise the importance of the Odukpani-Otu and the Calabar-Ikom Roads.
“These roads are too strategic to be left unrepaired, with the dry season, something can be done to make travelling easier and safer,” she said.
Samuel Oti, the Public Relations Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) command in Cross River, disclosed that most of the accidents in the state happened as a result of recklessness.
Mr Oti stated that the number of accidents that occured in the state during the year was relatively lower than that of 2023.
The FRSC spokesman warned drivers against speeding and disobedience to traffic rules.
“We are aware of the state of the roads, accidents should not be conclusively blamed on roads, it should be blamed on how the roads are used.
“Recently, there was a multiple crash along the Calabar-Ikom highway specifically in Biase, and we recorded fatalities
“Between Dec. 15 and 21, three crashes were reported across the state, 12 persons were injured but we recorded no deaths.
“The cause of crashes are majorly speed limit violation and wrongful overtaking. These happen in sections of the road that are in good condition,” he said.
Mr Oti urged drivers in the state to obey traffic regulations, and avoid the use of alcohol while driving.
He also called on passengers to speak up by reporting to road safety officials whenever their drivers showed signs of recklessness.
“Let’s do this in the interest of our lives and that of others. It’s our collective duty to make the roads safer,” he said.
NAN