By Felix Ezra

Concern is mounting in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, over what residents describe as the continued reckless driving by Keke Napep (commercial tricycle) operators, following a growing number of road accidents across major routes in the city.

A resident, Mr. Felix Ezra, has raised alarm after his mother became one of the latest victims of a tricycle-related accident. According to him, she is currently receiving treatment at the hospital and her condition has left the family distressed.

Putting the noble pen on paper, Ezra expressed sadness and frustration over what he called the “daily danger” posed by some tricycle riders who allegedly drive without regard for traffic rules, pedestrian safety, or the wellbeing of passengers.

“My mother was knocked down by a Keke rider who was speeding and trying to overtake dangerously on Wednesday 4th February, 2026,” he said. “She is still in the hospital, and the pain is not only physical, it is emotional and financial. Sadly, many other families are facing similar situations.”

Residents in different parts of the metropolis also lamented that tricycle operators frequently engage in overspeeding, wrong-way driving, sudden stops, illegal overtaking, and careless turning, especially around busy areas such as markets, junctions, schools, and hospitals.

Some residents noted that while tricycles remain an important means of transportation for thousands of people in Jalingo, the increasing disregard for road safety has become a serious public concern.

A trader around one of the city’s busy junctions said, “You cannot predict them. They enter the road suddenly, they drive against traffic, and they don’t respect pedestrians. Accidents happen almost every week.”

Mr. Ezra called on relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Transportation, FRSC, Tricycle Union, Taraba State Traffic Agency and the security operatives, to intensify monitoring and enforcement of road safety regulations. He also urged the state government to consider stricter penalties for offenders and ensure riders undergo proper training before operating on the road, union oversight to ensure discipline and registrations, awareness & road safety campaigns among others.

“We are not saying tricycles should stop working,” he added. “But we are begging the authorities to protect lives. People are suffering. My mother is suffering, and many others too.”
“No family should lose a loved one. No child should become orphaned due to preventable negligence,” Ezra warns.

He further appealed to tricycle unions and transport leaders in the state to take responsibility by educating their members and disciplining those who repeatedly violate traffic laws. The time to act is now. Responsible riders deserve support, but the reckless few must be held accountable before more lives are lost in Jalingo.

As calls for action grow louder, residents hope that urgent intervention will reduce accidents and restore safety on Jalingo roads, especially as commercial activities continue to expand within the city.