FRSC Takes Anti–Mixed Loading Campaign to Katsina Livestock Market

Fresh efforts to curb deadly road crashes gathered momentum in Katsina as the Federal Road Safety Corps took its safety message directly to traders and transporters at the bustling Charanchi Livestock Market.

Source: abcnews

Leading the public enlightenment and sensitisation exercise, the Sector Commander, Maxwell Lede, said the intervention became necessary in response to the persistent and dangerous practice of mixed-loading, where animals, goods and passengers are crammed into the same vehicles in clear violation of safety regulations. According to him, the trend remains a major trigger of fatal road crashes, especially during the festive periods when traffic volume surges across the country.

Lede warned that improper loading puts lives at grave risk and stressed that compliance with approved loading standards is non-negotiable. He explained that Charanchi Market was chosen deliberately because of its strategic status as an international livestock trading hub, drawing traders from across the North-West and neighbouring countries, including Niger Republic. Addressing unsafe practices at such a major source point, he noted, is critical to preventing tragedies on highways nationwide.

Traditional institutions were also brought into the campaign, as the Sector Commander paid a courtesy visit to the District Head of Charanchi, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abashe, the Sarkin Shanun Katsina, to seek community backing. Lede highlighted the influence of traditional rulers in shaping behaviour and reinforcing adherence to safety standards at the grassroots.

The District Head welcomed the initiative and pledged full support, commending the FRSC for sustained engagement with communities. Discussions later extended to leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, covering taxi, bus and heavy-duty truck operators, with Lede reminding them that curbing mixed-loading begins from the point of departure.

He expressed concern that several crashes recorded in southern parts of the country had been traced to unsafe loading practices originating from the North-West. A recent fatal accident in Oyo State involving an overloaded truck carrying animals and passengers, reportedly traced to Charanchi, was cited as a painful reminder of the consequences.

Describing the continued disregard for traffic laws as a serious threat to human life, Lede urged transport leaders to see their roles as a moral responsibility beyond routine supervision. He appealed to all stakeholders to place the value and dignity of human life above profit, stressing that only collective action can reverse the dangerous trend.

Transport union leaders welcomed the engagement and assured the FRSC of their readiness to work closely with the Corps. They pledged to enforce strict compliance with safety and loading regulations, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration would help reduce crashes and make Nigerian roads safer for all.