The Abia State Government has issued a strong warning to motorists and Keke operators violating traffic rules across the state, emphasizing its determination to address the rising incidents of lawlessness on the roads.
In a statement signed by Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, on behalf of the Abia State Harmonised Taskforce, the government expressed alarm over the high rate of traffic violations, particularly in Aba, the commercial hub of the state.
Offenders have been accused of driving against traffic, ignoring traffic lights, and disobeying traffic wardens, actions that have resulted in deadly accidents.
The statement highlighted that traffic violations, including one-way driving, were responsible for several tragic incidents last year, leading to head-on collisions, pedestrian knockdowns, and loss of lives, particularly in Aba town and along the Umuahia-Aba Expressway.
“The present Abia State government has invested and continues to invest massively to ensure that all Abia roads become motorable for easy movement and that every part of the state, especially Aba and Umuahia look organised and decent for residents and motorists.
“There is no justifiable reason whatsoever for anyone, no matter how highly placed to drive against traffic in Abia,” the statement read.
Several areas prone to traffic violations have been identified, including Faulks Road by Ariaria, Osisioma Flyover and the Expressway, Aba-Owerri Road, Ogbor Hill around Waterside, Bata Junction, Aba Main Park, Azikiwe Road by Asa, and Asa Road by Cemetery in Aba. Similar violations have also been observed at Ubakala Junction, Cooperative, Isi Gate, and Umudike Junction in Umuahia.
The government has warned that offenders caught driving against traffic risk arrest, prosecution, and severe penalties, which could include heavy fines or the forfeiture of their vehicles or tricycles.
To ensure strict compliance, security agents, personnel of the Abia State Harmonised Taskforce, and the Abia State Traffic and Safety Management Agency have been directed to enforce these measures across the state.
Residents are hereby urged to adhere to traffic rules and regulations as the government intensifies its efforts to safeguard lives, ease movement, and reduce gridlock.