CORPS MARSHAL SHEHU MOHAMMED URGES PEACE, TOLERANCE & ROAD SAFETY AS NATIONAL MESSAGE DURING THEEID EL KABIR.
By Raymond Enoch
As Muslims in Nigeria and around the world observe this year’s Eid el Kabir, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mallam Shehu Mohammed, has delivered a powerful message of peace, sacrifice, and national unity, calling on Nigerians to eschew violence and embrace the true spirit of Islam — one of tolerance, compassion, and communal safety.
In his official Eid message released from the FRSC National Headquarters in Abuja, the Corps Marshal emphasized the need for reflection and obedience to divine will, drawing parallels between the symbolic sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim ( AS) and the moral obligations of modern-day citizens to prioritize peaceful coexistence and safety, particularly on Nigerian roads.
“Eid el Kabir reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim unwavering obedience to Allah. It is a time for us to embrace values of sacrifice, love, tolerance, and mutual respect — not just in our homes and communities but also on the roads where too many lives are lost due to carelessness,” the Corps Marshal said.
Sallah Special Patrol: Safety First on Nigerian Roads. To ensure a safe and crash-free Sallah celebration, the FRSC has mobilized a nationwide special operation involving patrol teams, emergency rescue squads, and traffic surveillance along major road corridors. The Corps Marshal urged all road users to cooperate with officers and obey traffic laws, particularly cautioning against speeding, overloading, and indiscriminate roadside activities.
He condemned the rising trend of reckless behaviors at crash scenes, where bystanders often rush in to record videos or scoop fuel in cases involving tankers — acts he described as “hazardous and unacceptable.”
“Crash scenes are not spectacle zones. These reckless acts not only hinder rescue efforts but often result in additional fatalities. We must all rise to a new level of responsibility,” he stated.
A National Call for Discipline and Support
The Corps Marshal acknowledged the growing concerns over road traffic casualties, expressing his deep dismay at the number of lives lost during festive travels. He called on Nigerians to treat the roads with the same reverence as they do their faith, urging motorists to plan journeys wisely, rest adequately, and avoid night travel when possible.
In line with the FRSC’s commitment to prompt emergency response, the Corps Marshal reminded the public of the 24/7 availability of the National Emergency Line (122) and the National Traffic Radio (107.1 FM), encouraging citizens to report road hazards, breakdowns, or crashes without delay.
In a nation often divided by ethnic and religious lines, the Corps Marshal’s Eid message extended beyond religious boundaries, serving as a national appeal for unity.
“This is not just a celebration for Muslims — it’s a moment for all Nigerians to reflect on what binds us together: humanity, faith, peace, and collective progress,” he said.
He urged all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity, to embrace the values of empathy, lawfulness, and patriotism, reminding them that the roads, like the nation itself, belong to everyone.
“Let Peace Travel With You” — A Slogan for the Season
With this year’s Eid el Kabir expected to witness massive movement across the country, FRSC’s slogan — “Let Peace Travel With You” — has taken center stage in all public messages and campaigns.
“Let peace not only reside in our homes but also accompany us on every journey we take. Whether behind the wheel or as a passenger, every Nigerian must play a role in preserving life,” Mallam Shehu Mohammed concluded
