Not fewer than 32 cows were killed by a lightning strike during a heavy downpour on Saturday in Osara, a community in the Obantoko area of Abeokuta, within Odeda local government area of Ogun State.
The tragic incident occurred around noon, according to the Baale (traditional ruler) of Osara, Chief Wasiu Afolabi on Sunday.
Chief Afolabi explained that Fulani herders responsible for the cattle reported the matter to him at approximately 2 pm, shortly after the storm subsided.
“I was at home on Saturday when the Fulani herders, at about 2 pm, came to report that lightning had killed 32 of their cows,” the community leader said.
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He continued, “I got to their place, where they usually keep the cows before taking them out for grazing, and I saw the dead cows lying on the ground.”
Afolabi confirmed that the incident had been reported to the Aregbe Police Division and also to Dr Afolashade Adeyemo, the Chairman of Odeda local government.
“We have equally scheduled a meeting for this morning with the Fulani to know what to do next and also ensure that the incident does not affect the peace of the community,” he added.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed the incident in a message sent via WhatsApp to the newspaper on Sunday.
“The Command is well aware. The incident was reported to DPO Aregbe Division at about 13:30 hours on 21/06/2025. He led a team to the scene. 32 cows were struck dead when thunder and lightning occurred during a heavy downpour of rain,” Ogunlowo stated.
It was gathered that the cows were gathered in an open area used for keeping livestock before they are released for grazing when the lightning struck.
Local residents expressed concern over the magnitude of the incident but commended the swift response of the traditional leader and local authorities.
As at press time, discussions were ongoing among stakeholders, including community leaders, local government officials, and the herders, on how to manage the aftermath of the incident.
