The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi on Friday said the commission has lost 70 operatives to reckless drivers this year.

Oyeyemi made the announcement in Abuja at the FRSC end of the year management strategy session.

Oyeyemi said it was disturbing even though it was lower than 160 deaths recorded last year.

He said, “I have been raising this alarm since last year that we are experiencing increase in violence among drivers and lawlessness.

“Losing 70 personnel is not a joke, may their souls rest in peace.

“A recent occurrence was the happening in Talata Mafara in Zamfara, where a motorist ran into the mobile court in session killing three operatives almost instantly, including a civil defence operative.

“The occurrence is no doubt ironic and a sad commentary on road safety in Nigeria but must we give up on our country and abdicate leadership to mediocrity?’’