A total of 32 cows were killed on Saturday when thunderstorms accompanying a heavy downpour struck them dead in Osara Village of Obantoko Community, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The incident which occurred around 3pm Saturday afternoon, left the Fulani herders in shock and grief as no one could explain the misery behind the disaster.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the herds were already in their shed, awaiting the evening grazing before the afternoon rain started.
Following the tragic incident, the distraught herders reported the incident to a community leader in the area, Baale Wasiu Afolabi, who later confirmed the incident.
Baale Afolabi explained that, “The Fulani herders came to me at home to report that thunderstorms had killed 32 of their cows.
“I followed them to their place and saw the dead cows and we have reported it to the Aregbe Police Division and the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Dr Afolashade Adeyemo”.
Confirming the incident, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Omolola Odutola in a statement on Sunday, attributed the incident to a “natural phenomenon”.
Odutola said two herders from Osara Community reported the unusual incident at Aregbe Divisional Headquarters that the incident occurred “in a nearby forest during rainstorm earlier that day”.
“The herders, who are jointly responsible for the livestock, suspected that the deaths may have resulted from thunderstorm with intense lightning,” the PPRO said.
He explained that the total monetary value of the livestock could not be ascertained as at press time.
“Initial observations revealed no visible injuries or foul play on the animals. The cattle were found lying lifeless in various positions in the forest. The owners confirmed they do not suspect any individual or group, nor have they made any allegations or accusations.
“In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, urged the community to remain calm and treat the incident as a natural phenomenon,” the police spokesman said.
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