June 22, 2025: In a tragic and shocking natural disaster, at least 32 cows were reportedly struck dead by lightning in Osara, a community in the Obantoko area of Abeokuta, located within the Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State. The fatal lightning strike occurred during a torrential downpour that started around noon on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
According to local sources, the thunderstorm, accompanied by intense lightning and heavy rainfall, caught the livestock unprotected in an open field where they were sheltered before being led out to graze. The powerful lightning strike that accompanied the thunderstorm caused the immediate death of the cows.
The tragic incident was first reported by the Baale (traditional head) of Osara, Chief Wasiu Afolabi. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Chief Afolabi described how he was approached by Fulani herders, who are in charge of the cattle, shortly after the storm had passed.
“I was at home on Saturday when the Fulani herders came to inform me around 2:00 p.m. that lightning had killed 32 of their cows,” Afolabi said. “When I arrived at the location where the cows are usually kept before being taken out for grazing, I saw the animals lying motionless. It was a devastating sight.”
The Baale stated that the tragic event has been officially reported to the relevant authorities, including the Aregbe Police Division and the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Dr. Afolashade Adeyemo. Community leaders and law enforcement officials are working together to manage the aftermath of the lightning strike and ensure the peace of the community is not disrupted.
“We have informed all necessary people who need to be aware of the situation. We also scheduled a meeting for this morning with the Fulani herders to determine what steps should be taken next,” Afolabi added. “The welfare of the herders and the overall peace of the community are our priorities.”
Police Confirm Incident Involving Lightning Strike in Ogun State
Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed the incident via a WhatsApp message sent to our correspondent. He stated that the Command had received a report from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Aregbe Division on Saturday.
According to the Commissioner, the police team, led by the DPO, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident was reported at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Their assessment confirmed that 32 cows had been fatally struck by lightning during the severe thunderstorm.
“The Command is fully aware,” Ogunlowo stated. “The incident was reported and our officers were on the scene. This was a case of a natural disaster, where thunder and lightning resulted in the death of 32 cows during a heavy downpour.”
This incident has brought renewed attention to the impact of extreme weather events and lightning on livestock and rural communities in Nigeria. Lightning strikes are not uncommon in the region, especially during the peak of the rainy season. However, mass livestock fatalities due to lightning remain rare and devastating for pastoralist communities who rely heavily on their animals for livelihood.
Experts have long advised livestock owners and herders to avoid grazing or keeping animals in open spaces during thunderstorms. Some suggest that shelters with lightning protection systems should be built in rural and grazing areas to minimize such occurrences.
In Nigeria, Fulani herders, who manage most of the country’s cattle, face immense challenges from climate change, including flooding, drought, and now lightning strikes. The loss of 32 cows represents a significant economic blow. On average, a single cow can be valued at hundreds of thousands of Naira, depending on its size and breed, which means the loss could amount to millions of Naira.
Following the lightning tragedy, local leaders and residents are calling on state and federal authorities to provide support to the affected herders. They are also urging the government to consider investing in infrastructure that protects both humans and animals from severe weather conditions.
“This is not just about cows,” one community elder remarked. “This is about the livelihood of families who depend on these animals. We hope the government will step in to assist.”
As investigations continue, the Osara community remains in a state of shock. Local residents have described the event as “bizarre” and “unprecedented,” underscoring the unpredictable and sometimes deadly power of natural elements such as lightning.
Source- Punch