The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zamfara sector command, has warned parents against overloading schoolchildren on motorcycles or tricycles to prevent accidents.

The sector commander, Aliyu Maaji, issued the warning at a news briefing on Friday in Gusau, stating that the corps would apprehend anyone engaged in such acts.

Mr Maaji expressed concern over the risks, noting that overloading had caused casualties and, in some cases, deaths among schoolchildren.

He cited a recent incident where a motorcycle rider carrying seven children to school was involved in a crash. “Although no deaths occurred, the injuries were severe,” he said.

The sector commander added that the command had strategically deployed personnel around schools and urged communities to assist officers with relevant information for prompt action.

Mr Maaji advised parents against overloading motorcycles and stressed that ensuring their children’s safety was key to safeguarding their education.

He also said the corps was collaborating with the Ministry of Justice to set up a mobile court to enforce traffic laws effectively in the state.

The sector commander noted that advocacy visits to traditional and religious leaders would continue to increase community engagement and awareness of traffic laws.

“I believe that if all hands are on deck, sensitisation will reach everyone, compliance with traffic laws will improve, and road crashes will reduce,” he said.

(NAN)