Japhet Dajangla, the newly appointed Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Plateau State, has announced a comprehensive strategy to reduce road traffic crashes and enhance safety across the region. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos on Thursday, Dajangla outlined his vision for the state’s road network, describing it as a vital economic artery connecting communities, businesses, and neighboring states. He accepted the appointment as a call to service, emphasizing the protection of lives as his primary objective.
Dajangla’s administration will anchor its operations on five core principles: prevention, education, enforcement, rescue, and partnership. He warned that every journey involves human lives and requires responsible conduct from all road users. "Every driver carries lives in his or her hands," Dajangla stated, according to Punch. He assured motorists that enforcement would be firm but fair, with officers expected to discharge their duties with professionalism, integrity, and respect for human dignity. The commander clarified that the FRSC would not compromise on safety but would conduct operations with courtesy.
A significant component of the new strategy involves the Renewed Special Marshals, a volunteer scheme that Dajangla described as a vital partner in community mobilization. These volunteers will assist in public enlightenment, promote safe driving practices in schools and markets, and support emergency response operations. Dajangla stressed that they are not a replacement for regular FRSC personnel but rather partners in advocacy. He also pledged to strengthen the Renewed Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA) to support child safety campaigns and assist both regular and special marshals.
The sector commander called for closer collaboration with the Plateau State Government, police, hospitals, transport unions, and the media. He specifically urged commercial drivers and fleet operators to prioritize safety over profit, warning that speeding, dangerous overtaking, and poor vehicle maintenance remain major dangers. "No economic gain is worth the loss of a human life," he warned. Dajangla also addressed the welfare of FRSC personnel, demanding discipline and accountability while rejecting corruption and extortion. He promised to improve patrol and rescue operations, noting that prompt intervention after crashes can determine survival rates. The success of his leadership, he added, will be measured by the number of lives saved and families reunited, rather than the number of arrests made.