The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Gombe State reported 377 motorcycle accidents between January and December 2022. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria at the Corps headquarters in Lafiyawo community, Akko Local Government Area, FRSC Sector Commander Mr. Felix Theman said the statistics showed that these crashes largely involved under‑age riders of motorcycles and tricycles, especially in the Gombe metropolis.
Theman emphasized that under‑age riding is illegal and that the Corps has taken measures to address the problem. Personnel have stepped up enforcement to curb under‑age motorcycle use and improve road safety. He noted that many very young boys, below the legal age of 18, are allowed by their parents to ride recklessly, leading to unnecessary crashes within the township.
To combat these offences, the FRSC has increased its response by conducting mobile courts in collaboration with the state judiciary. During Operation Zero, held between December 2022 and January 2023, a high number of arrests were made to serve as a deterrent. Additionally, the Corps has launched sensitisation campaigns targeting parents and community groups to highlight the dangers of allowing children to ride motorcycles and tricycles.
Theman warned that arrests will continue as part of the effort to curb under‑age motorbike riding in the state. He urged parents and guardians to monitor their wards closely to prevent road‑traffic offences that could lead to further crashes.
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