Herder dies as 11 cows killed in Rivers accident

A herder has died after a crash between a Mercedes-Benz car and a herd of cattle at Evekwu in Rumuodogu, along the East-West Road in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Eyewitnesses said the cattle were crossing the road when the speeding car hit the herder and the animals. This happened on Thursday, leading to the death of about 11 cows.

A source said, “The occupants of the vehicle, said to be travelling in a convoy, abandoned the damaged vehicle, joined another vehicle in the convoy and fled the scene.”

Police officers from the Emohua Division arrived at the scene. They took the body of the deceased to the morgue. The injured herder was rushed for medical attention.

A video shared with our correspondent showed several dead cows in the bush. Some men were seen sitting beside one of the cows in a nearby bush.

When we contacted the spokesperson for the state police command, Blessing Agabe, she confirmed the incident on Friday. She said investigations are ongoing.

Agabe, who is an Assistant Superintendent of Police, stated, “Yes, I can confirm the incident. One of them died. The other was injured and was rushed to the hospital. He is now stable.

“However, before our men got to the scene, the owner of the Mercedes-Benz ran away.

“The corpse of the victim was taken away by his people, but the injured cattle rearer is responding to treatment in the hospital. Investigation is ongoing.”