Sani Haruna
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Katsina Sector Command, says, it will continue to collaborate with journalists working in the state to ensure traffic rules and regulations are enforced.
The Corps Commander, Maxwell Kaltungo Lede, made this known in an interactive session with some journalists at the Command’s office in Katsina, the state capital.
Commandant Maxwell solicited the support and cooperation of the men of the pen profession towards educating the public on the primary and secondary responsibilities of the corps, FRSC.
He said journalists are the most important pillars that bridge the gap between the government and the people at all levels through the dissemination of information about government policies and programmes.
Mr Maxwell Lede also called on the social media handlers to verify stories disseminating them for public consumption, adding that such stories, if not properly handled, cause crises and damage to people.
The Commander sighted an example on the recent trending post making rounds on various social media platforms, alleging that a fatal road traffic crash occurred recently along the Dutsin-Ma–Katsina highway, claiming several lives.
He said their findings clearly revealed that no such crash occurred in the stated period rather the images and videos being circulated are from an accident that took place approximately five (5) years back along the same Dutsin-Ma–Katsina corridor.
According to him, it is unfortunate and misleading that certain individuals or groups have chosen to recycle such tragic content for sensationalism or engagement without verifying its authenticity or current relevance.
The Command strongly condemns this act of spreading misinformation, which not only causes unnecessary panic among road users and the general public but also undermines the tireless efforts of the officers who are working day and night to ensure safety across our highways.
He warned those involved in spreading falsehoods to desist immediately as the FRSC remains committed to saving lives, and we will not allow false narratives to distort public perception or derail our mission.
The Corps Commander also advises the social media handlers that they should verify all information before sharing, as the power of social media should be used responsibly and for the good of society.