No fewer than 32 cows died after lightning struck during a heavy downpour on Saturday in the Osara, Obantoko area of Abeokuta, located in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The Baale of Osara, Chief Wasiu Afolabi, confirmed the incident on Sunday. He said the tragic event occurred around midday during a torrential rainfall.
According to Afolabi, the Fulani herders responsible for the cattle informed him of the incident at approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday. He visited the site where the cows, kept before grazing, lay lifeless.
“We immediately reported the incident to the Aregbe Police Division and also notified the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Dr Afolashade Adeyemo,” Afolabi said.
He added that a meeting with the herders had been scheduled for Sunday morning to discuss the next steps and ensure the event does not disturb the peace of the community.
The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, also confirmed the event in a WhatsApp message. He stated that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Aregbe received the report at about 13:30 hours on June 21, 2025 and led a team to the scene, where they found the carcasses of 32 cows.
He affirmed the cows were struck dead by thunder and lightning during the heavy rainfall.
