The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Cross River has so far arrested 9,056 traffic offenders this year, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Mr Ikechukwu Igwe, the State Sector Commander, disclosed this on Sunday in an interview with NAN in Calabar.

Igwe said the offenders were arrested for overloading, seat belt violation, fake driver’s licence, making phone calls while driving, over speeding, as well as dangerous driving among others.

According to him, the state command, which has its head office in Calabar and other units in Ogoja, Ikom, Abi and Yala Local Government Areas of the state, often carried out sensitisation programmes.

“We have embarked on several rallies and sensitisation programmes with a view to enlightening motorists on the dangers of over loading, over speeding, worn-out tires among others.

“We will continue to grapple with the challenges.

“So, between January and December, we have arrested 9,056 traffic offenders in the state.

“Their offences range from overloading, seat belt violation, fake drivers’ license, making phone calls while driving to over speeding and dangerous driving among others’’.

“A majority of them were made to pay some fine, while those with fake driver’s licence were compelled to acquire the valid one,’’ he said.

Igwe also said a total of 1,983 people were prosecuted by the mobile court mounted by personnel of the commission in the year under review.

Out of the figure, he said a total of 1,769 were convicted, with four jailed and 210 discharged.

“The mobile court has been helpful as the court serves as veritable way to stem the tide of misconduct on the roads,’’ he said.

He further said that 49 persons died from road crashes this year, adding that the figure was, however, an improvement on the 113 recorded in 2015.

The sector commander said the reduction in the number of deaths might not be unconnected with the aggressive campaign carried out by the command.