At least 32 cows were killed by lightning during a heavy downpour on Saturday in Osara, a village in the Obantoko area of Abeokuta, Ogun State. The incident has left residents and herders shocked, raising concerns over the impact of extreme weather on rural communities.
The cows were struck around 2:00 p.m., while grazing during the storm. Fulani herders who owned the animals quickly informed the village head, Baale Wasiu Afolabi.
Afolabi said, “I was at home when the herders came to report that lightning had killed their cows. I went to the grazing station and saw all 32 cows lying lifeless. We’ve reported the case to the Aregbe Police Division and to the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Dr Afolashade Adeyemo.”
Confirming the report, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, stated that the strange incident was formally reported to the Aregbe Divisional Police Officer at about 1:30 p.m. on June 21. He noted that officers were immediately sent to the scene to assess the situation.
“Thirty-two cows were struck dead when thunder and lightning occurred during the heavy rain,” Ogunlowo said in a message to the press.
Baale Wasiu Afolabi disclosed that a meeting has been scheduled with the herders to deliberate on the next steps and ensure the unfortunate incident does not disturb the prevailing peace in the area.
Afolabi assured that steps are being taken to prevent any misunderstanding or tension that may arise from the incident.
The police also advised residents to remain calm, describing the occurrence as a natural accident caused by severe weather.
