Lightning strike kills 32 cows in Ogun

In a rare and tragic natural occurrence, no fewer than 32 cows were struck and killed by lightning during a heavy downpour in Osara, Obantoko area of Abeokuta, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The incident took place on Saturday, June 21, amid intense rainfall that began around noon. According to Wasiu Afolabi, the Baale of Osara, the Fulani herders tending to the cattle rushed to inform him of the incident at about 2 p.m. the same day.

“It was a terrible sight,” the community leader said. “The rain was very heavy, and we didn’t expect that it would end in such a devastating loss for the herders.”

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He noted that the matter had already been reported to the Aregbe Police Division and to Dr. Afolashade Adeyemo, Chairman of Odeda Local Government.

Afolabi said, “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.

“I got to their place, where they usually keep these cows before they are taken out for grazing and saw these dead cows. We have, however, reported the incident to the Aregbe police division as well as the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Dr Afolashade Adeyemo, and other people who must be aware.

“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.”

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, also confirmed the incident in a WhatsApp message sent to our Correspondent.

Ogunlowo said, “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.”