A thunderstorm accompanied by severe lightning has claimed the lives of 32 cows in a remote village in Ogun State, Nigeria, in what officials are describing as a freak act of nature.
The tragedy unfolded in Osara village, part of the Obantoko community, during a heavy rainstorm on Saturday. Local reports indicate that the animals had been moved into a shed to wait out the rain when the lightning struck.
According to Baale Wasiu Afolabi, the local traditional leader, the affected herders rushed to report the incident after discovering the lifeless cattle. “I saw the dead cows myself, and we promptly informed both the police and the local government authorities,” he said.
The Ogun State Police Command later confirmed the development, saying it had received the report from two herders at the Aregbe Divisional Headquarters. A statement issued by PPRO Omolola Odutola explained that there were no signs of trauma or human involvement.
“Preliminary assessments showed the animals died from what appears to be a lightning strike. The owners did not accuse anyone and confirmed it was likely a natural occurrence,” she said.
While the monetary value of the cattle remains undetermined, local officials noted that it represented a significant economic loss for the herding community.
Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo has appealed for calm, urging the public to regard the event as a natural disaster and not a criminal matter.
