A tragic incident struck Osara Village in Obantoko Community, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State on Saturday, as 32 cows were killed by a thunderstorm during a heavy downpour.
The lightning strike, which occurred around 3:00 p.m., left local Fulani herders in shock and mourning. According to eyewitness accounts gathered by Hobnob News, the cattle were in their shed awaiting their evening grazing session when the storm hit.
Following the incident, the distraught herders reported the loss to the local community leader, Baale Wasiu Afolabi, who later confirmed the tragedy.
“The Fulani herders came to me at home to report that thunderstorms had killed 32 of their cows,” Baale Afolabi said. “I followed them to their place and saw the dead cows. We have reported it to the Aregbe Police Division and the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Dr Afolashade Adeyemo.”
Confirming the development on Sunday, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Omolola Odutola, attributed the deaths to a “natural phenomenon.”
According to Odutola, two herders had visited the Aregbe Divisional Headquarters to report that the incident occurred during a rainstorm in a nearby forest. The police noted that preliminary investigations showed no signs of foul play.
“The herders, who are jointly responsible for the livestock, suspected that the deaths may have resulted from thunderstorm with intense lightning,” Odutola said. “Initial observations revealed no visible injuries on the animals. The cattle were found lying lifeless in various positions in the forest.”
The total financial value of the dead livestock has not yet been determined, but the loss is believed to be significant for the affected families.
The incident has once again sparked discussions on the vulnerability of rural livestock farming to extreme weather events, particularly in regions prone to thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
