A herder and 11 cattle have died in a tragic road accident along the East-West Road in Rivers State, prompting an investigation by the police into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The incident occurred on a section of the busy highway, where a vehicle reportedly collided with a herd of cattle being moved along the road. The impact claimed the life of the herder at the scene, while 11 cows also died. Police confirmed the incident and said an investigation had commenced to determine the cause of the crash.
Eyewitnesses said the collision caused significant disruption to traffic as motorists and emergency responders worked to clear the road. The accident also resulted in the loss of livestock, highlighting the risks associated with moving cattle along major highways.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident and urged motorists to exercise caution while travelling on the East-West Road, particularly in areas where livestock or other road users may be encountered. Officers said efforts were underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash and identify any factors that may have contributed to it.
Road safety experts have repeatedly warned against the movement of livestock on high-speed highways, noting that such practices increase the risk of fatal collisions involving motorists, pedestrians and herders. They have called for improved enforcement of traffic regulations and safer methods of transporting animals to reduce accidents.
The latest tragedy adds to a series of fatal crashes recorded along the East-West Road, one of the country’s busiest transport corridors linking several states in the Niger Delta. Authorities have continued to appeal to road users to adhere to traffic rules and prioritise safety to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
