NAN-H-52
Patrol
By Kevin Okunzuwa
Benin, Dec. 26, 2016(NAN) Motorists and commuters in Edo have commended the Special Marshal unit of the FRSC, Edo sector command, for its effective traffic control within the Benin metropolis during the Yuletide celebration.
A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed that several black spots were devoid of the usual gridlock, especially, during busy periods such as the Yuletide.
Motorists and commuters said the free-flow of traffic was sequel to the special marshals’ coordinated-patrol activities at different spots within the metropolis.
NAN reports that the special marshals were seen on patrol and directing traffic almost at every major recognised troubled spots, particularly, at the exit and entry points into the state.
Mr John Ubaka, an Eastern Nigeria-based commercial driver, said, “I am quite impressed with the heavy presence of the marshals right from when we entered Edo from Agbor.
“Their approach to controlling traffic and manner of addressing drivers are very commendable. They make you relax and gain more confidence after chatting with them,’’ he said.
Also, Mrs Judith Osaro, a passenger in one of the Warri-bound buses from Lagos told NAN that “to be honest, I was scared that we might run into terrible traffic as always.
“But we were surprised to see this coordinated traffic control by the special marshals.
“We did not recognise there was a long but moving queue because the vehicles just kept moving while the marshals smiled at us and advised drivers to be careful behind the wheel.’’
Mr Friday Ekhator, the state coordinator, Special Marshal unit of the FRSC, told NAN that “we have done our studies and came up with strategies that will ensure a free- flow of traffic during this festive period.
“We have recognized the black spots, especially, in Benin, being a transit point, and we came up with plans to mitigate the usual traffic congestion.
“We have deployed not less than 900 special marshals on patrol in different spots for traffic control and they have been briefed to place more emphasis on education and enlightenment of motorists than enforcement of traffic disobedience,’’ he said.
He added that the national patrol which commenced on Dec. 19, would end in the first week of Jan. 2017 (NAN)
KOO/PAD
=========
Edited by Peter Dada