At least 32 cows were killed by a lightning strike during a heavy downpour on Saturday in the Osara area of Obantoko, located in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The tragic incident occurred around noon, according to the community leader (Baale) of Osara, Wasiu Afolabi, who spoke on Sunday.
He said the Fulani herders responsible for the cattle raised the alarm around 2 p.m. after discovering the animals had been struck.
“I was at home when the herders came to inform me that lightning had killed 32 of their cows,” Afolabi said.
“I visited the spot where they usually keep the cows before grazing and confirmed the incident.
We have since reported it to the Aregbe Police Division and also informed the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Dr. Afolashade Adeyemo.”
Afolabi added that a meeting has been scheduled with the herders to discuss the next steps and ensure the incident does not disrupt the peace of the community.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Lanre Ogunlowo, also confirmed the incident in a message to journalists.
He stated that the Divisional Police Officer of Aregbe Division received the report around 1:30 p.m. on June 21 and led a team to the scene.
“Thunder and lightning during the heavy rain struck and killed 32 cows,” Ogunlowo said.