In a heartbreaking incident, two young men lost their lives after a stray cow collided with their motorcycle on the Ile-Oluji-Ondo Itanla road in Ondo State. The tragic accident occurred around 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, as the victims were transporting a bag of cocoa from Ile-Oluji to Ondo City on a motorcycle, locally known as a “Lady’s Bike.”
Eyewitnesses said the two men were traveling peacefully along the road when, without warning, a cow suddenly emerged from the bush and charged directly into the path of the motorcycle. The impact of the collision caused both men to fall and suffer fatal injuries, killing them on the spot.
A source who spoke to the Ondo State government-owned publication, Hope Newspaper, described the shocking scene. According to the witness, the cow appeared out of nowhere, bolting from the bush and striking the motorcycle with such force that both riders were immediately thrown to the ground. Tragically, they were unable to survive the accident.
As the situation unfolded, the herder of the cow, believed to be a Fulani man, fled into the bush with his cattle shortly after the accident. The eyewitness mentioned that no one dared to chase after the herder or try to intervene, possibly out of fear of the legal consequences or retaliation.
This incident has stirred deep concern among residents and travelers who use the Ile-Oluji-Ondo Itanla road, a vital route connecting Ile-Oluji to Ondo City. Passersby who witnessed the tragic event were hesitant to take action, uncertain of what their involvement might mean for them legally, as they feared potential conflict with authorities over the death of the two men.
The identities of the two victims have yet to be confirmed by local authorities. While no official statements have been made regarding the circumstances of the herder’s flight from the scene, the situation has prompted questions about the responsibility of herders whose cattle stray onto busy roads, causing dangerous accidents.
Motorcycle accidents are a common issue in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural areas, where motorcycles serve as essential means of transport. However, incidents like this one, where livestock plays a role, have raised concerns about safety for travelers on rural roads. Local authorities in Ondo State have been urged to take swift action to ensure such tragedies do not happen again, including finding ways to prevent livestock from wandering onto major roads.
As the community grapples with the loss of two young lives, there is an increasing call for stronger enforcement of livestock control laws and the creation of more protective measures for motorcycle riders who navigate these dangerous roads. The tragic accident has also highlighted the urgent need for better communication between herders, road users, and local authorities to prevent further fatalities.
The situation is further compounded by the lack of swift intervention from bystanders, which raises concerns about the overall safety of road users. The community is now calling on government officials and law enforcement to address this issue and make sure the families of the victims receive justice.
The incident is expected to trigger discussions about road safety policies, especially in rural communities, where the movement of both vehicles and livestock on shared roads often results in accidents. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that exist on Nigeria’s roads and the need for greater awareness and precautions to protect vulnerable road users.
