A rare and deadly lightning strike killed 32 cows during a heavy downpour on Saturday in Osara, a village in the Obantoko area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, sparking alarm among residents and local herders.
The incident occurred around 2:00 p.m., and was promptly reported to community authorities by Fulani herders who owned the cattle.
“I was at home when the herders came to report that lightning had killed their cows,” said Baale Wasiu Afolabi, the community leader.
“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 tragic event, Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo stated that the Aregbe Divisional Police Officer received the report at about 1:30 pm on June 21, and law enforcement officers were immediately sent to the scene for inspection and documentation.
“Thirty-two cows were struck dead when thunder and lightning occurred during the heavy rain,” Ogunlowo confirmed in a message to the press.
The incident has left the Osara community stunned, with both herders and villagers expressing shock over the scale of the destruction.
While such lightning strikes are not unheard of, fatalities of this magnitude are considered highly unusual and have raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of rural communities and their livestock to extreme weather conditions.
In the aftermath, local leaders have convened meetings with affected herders to discuss the way forward, with a strong focus on maintaining peace and avoiding any escalation of tensions.
Authorities have emphasized that the lightning strike is being treated strictly as a natural and environmental accident.
They are urging residents to remain calm and cooperative as discussions continue regarding compensation and future safety measures for grazing areas.
