The Federal Road Safety Corps in Osun State has deployed 555 personnel for a special Eid-el-Kabir patrol, launching a week-long operation aimed at curbing crashes and easing traffic across major routes in the state.

Osun Sector Commander Sunday Adebayo announced the deployment in a statement issued through the Sector Public Education Officer, Agnes Ogungbemi, in Osogbo. He said the operation would cover key highways and busy intra-city corridors expected to witness heavy movement of worshippers and holiday travellers.

Adebayo explained that the corps is backing the manpower deployment with logistics support, including three ambulances, two roadside clinics, one tow truck and 15 patrol vehicles. The special patrol will be conducted in collaboration with other security and emergency agencies to ensure rapid response to incidents and swift removal of obstructions.

He urged motorists to strictly observe traffic rules, warning that officers had been directed to sanction drivers found engaging in wrongful overtaking, speeding, overloading, route violations and other dangerous behaviours that commonly trigger festive-season crashes.

According to him, the statutory responsibilities of the corps during the operation include clearing broken-down vehicles and other obstructions, identifying causes of road traffic accidents in real time and recommending immediate and long-term remedies.

The sector commander appealed for cooperation from road users, stressing that safety measures were not punitive but designed to protect lives. He also called on media organisations, transport unions and community leaders to intensify public enlightenment on safe driving, particularly during religious celebrations when traffic volume spikes.

Beyond enforcement, Adebayo said officers had been instructed to offer assistance to stranded travellers, provide basic first aid where necessary and guide motorists on safer travel times and routes.

As preparations for Eid-el-Kabir gather pace, many residents are also grappling with rising transport fares driven by higher petrol prices. Commercial drivers in Osogbo report that fluctuating fuel costs have made it difficult to keep fares stable, while passengers complain that the increases are discouraging long-distance travel for the festivities.

Some travellers are urging the government to address fuel pricing and its ripple effect on transportation and food costs, while appealing to transport operators to show restraint in fare adjustments during the holiday period.