Driver 2 – Goats 0

We headed out to Azare early last Friday morning for meetings with the Head of Primary Education, faculty and Mentor Teachers at the College of Education. The cool, crisp early morning air was clear—the spirit of the Harmattan calmed for the day. 

 I sat back and enjoyed the serenity of the countryside as we passed through what have become familiar towns and villages.  Cattle tended by Fulani herdsmen walked along the road or grazed in distant pastures.  Unlike the tended (and somewhat tamed) cattle, goats are free-range. They’re everywhere, in cities, towns and villages alike; foraging for whatever morsels of food they can find.  I’ve asked but still can’t imagine how owners keep up with them. They’re everywhere!

Azare is about a 2 hour drive from Bauchi.  The hum of the cars engine and the earliness of the hour encouraged me to close my eyes for a light nap.  Just as I was nodding, the car lurched, slowed abruptly and swerved to the right, the driver grazed one of a small group of goats that dashed onto the road and then turned back.  The animal was knocked down, but got up and went on its way.  My companions talked about the hazards presented by goats and sheep that are allowed to roam.  At one point officials had cracked down and regularly rounded up strays—certainly at great loss to the owner.  Enforcement in the city no longer occurs. In the rural areas, well, how could it work?

By this time the goats eating from bushes along the road were eyed with suspicion.  Then it happened! The driver  tried to avoid two goats that suddenly dashed across the road.  Another in the herd wasn’t so lucky. Bam! It  hit  the right side of the vehicle, fell under the wheel and was run over!  Inspection revealed a seriously damaged front and right bumper. None of the passengers were injured.  Some family, I guess, had an unanticipated dinner. Pics of the car--

The driver is not happy about this damage. That goat was  formidable!!