A thunderstorm accompanied by intense lightning has killed no fewer than 32 cows in the Osara community, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, resulting in an estimated loss of over N50 million.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday, stating that it was reported by two herders who jointly owned the livestock.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, the herders discovered the lifeless bodies of the animals in a nearby forest shortly after a downpour on Friday.
“They reported at the Aregbe Divisional Headquarters that 32 of their cows were found dead following a severe rainstorm around 4:40 p.m.,” Odutola said.
“Preliminary investigations and a physical inspection by the Divisional Police Officer revealed no signs of injuries on the animals.
The cows were found lying dead in various positions, leading to suspicions that lightning from the thunderstorm was responsible.”
Odutola further noted that the herders made no accusations against any individual or group, and the incident was being treated as a natural disaster.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Folashade Adeyemo, who visited the scene, described the occurrence as tragic and unprecedented in the area.
Speaking to PLATFORM TIMES, Adeyemo disclosed that a preliminary assessment showed the total value of the dead livestock ranged between N45 million and N50 million.
“Most of the cows were mature and ready for sale, and some of them were pregnant,” she said. “It is a huge economic loss for the owners and the community at large.”
She, however, warned the public against consuming the carcasses, stressing the potential health risks.
“We have been assured by the owners that they will not sell the meat. Our health officials are on the ground monitoring the situation to ensure none of the dead cows enters the food chain.”
Adeyemo added that a formal report has been submitted to the Ogun State Government and expressed hope that the herders would receive some form of compensation.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun, Lanre Bankole, has urged residents to remain calm and avoid speculation, reiterating that all evidence points to a natural disaster.
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