The Kwara State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Hajiya Fatimah Popoola, has raised concern over the involvement of some commercial drivers in aiding passengers to transport illicit drugs across the state.

Popoola said some drivers deliberately or unknowingly, help in moving drugs for passengers and customers, exposing themselves to arrest and prosecution.

She, therefore, warned them to desist from the act henceforth.

The NDLEA boss spoke in Ilorin on Friday during the annual Town Hall Meeting organised ahead of the Federal Road Safety Corps Ember Month Campaign.

She advised drivers to be vigilant and always check the loads and parcels they convey to other parts of the state to ensure they do not contain illegal items.

“Just recently, a driver saw our vehicle and sped off. In the process, he hit the road median and damaged his vehicle. He was later arrested and charged to court,” Popoola said.

She thanked the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers for cooperating with the agency in tracing and arresting owners of drugs moved through the state’s transport network.

Popoola further urged transporters to remain partners in the fight against drug trafficking, saying their vigilance can save them and others from avoidable trouble.

Also speaking, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Muftau Irekeola, identified human factors as the leading cause of road crashes in the country.

He said whether as drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians or passengers, the road is a shared space and safety depends on the collective responsibility everyone upholds.

According to him, many lives are lost or forever changed every year due to road traffic crashes that are preventable.

“The pain of losing a loved one or the hardship of a serious injury is something no one should endure, especially when many crashes are preventable,” he said.

The commander listed over-speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, disobedience to traffic rules and poor road conditions as major causes of crashes.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, represented by the Alangua of Owode, Alhaji Umar Sadiq, urged drivers to obey traffic rules and maintain good conduct as the year draws to a close.

The event was attended by representatives of the Police, Nigeria Customs Service, Civil Defence, Fire Service, Immigration, transport unions and corps members. (Daily Trust)