A devastating incident occurred on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in the Osara, Obantoko Area of Abeokuta, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. A severe lightning strike during a torrential downpour resulted in the death of 32 cows belonging to Fulani herders.
According to eyewitnesses, the heavy rainfall began around noon on Saturday, with the lightning strike occurring sometime later. The Baale of Osara, Wasiu Afolabi, confirmed the incident in an interview with our correspondent on Sunday. Afolabi stated that the Fulani herders in charge of the cows alerted him to the tragedy at approximately 2 pm on Saturday.
"I was at home on Saturday when the Fulani herders came to report that lightning had killed 32 of their cows," Afolabi said. "I immediately visited the scene, where the cows are usually kept before being taken out for grazing, and witnessed the dead animals."
The incident has been reported to the Aregbe police division, as well as Dr. Afolashade Adeyemo, the Chairman of Odeda Local Government. Afolabi further disclosed that a meeting has been scheduled with the Fulani herders to determine the next course of action and ensure the incident does not disrupt community peace.
"We have reported the incident to the relevant authorities and are working to resolve the situation," Afolabi added. "Our primary concern is the well-being of the affected herders and maintaining peace in the community."
The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed the incident in a WhatsApp message sent to our correspondent. Ogunlowo stated that the command received a report of the incident at approximately 1:30 pm on Saturday, and a team led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Aregbe Division was dispatched to the scene.
"The Command is well aware of the incident," Ogunlowo said. "The incident was reported to the DPO Aregbe Division at about 13:30 hours on 21/06/2025. He led a team to the scene, and it was confirmed that 32 cows were struck dead when thunder and lightning occurred during a heavy downpour of rain."
The lightning strike has left the community in shock, with concerns about the impact on Local herders and farmers. The loss of 32 cows is expected to have significant economic implications for the affected herders. The incident highlights the vulnerability of livestock to natural disasters and the need for measures to mitigate such risks.
As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, authorities are working to ensure that the incident does not lead to further disruptions. The scheduled meeting with the Fulani herders aims to address the situation and find a way forward.
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