* Eight cows were killed by lightning in the Ori-Ohin community in Ifon, Ondo State, in April
*36 cattle were struck dead by the same in 2019 in Ijare, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State
By Adejoke Monsurat
In a devastating incident that occurred in Osara Community, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, 32 cattle were found dead in a nearby forest after a torrential rainfall.
The incident was reported to the Aregbe Divisional Headquarters by two herders who jointly own the livestock.
According to the herders, the deaths are suspected to have resulted from a thunderstorm with intense lightning that hit the area earlier that day.
The Divisional Police Officer conducted a prompt on-the-spot assessment, and initial observations revealed no visible injuries or foul play on the animals.
The owners of the cattle have confirmed that they do not suspect any individual or group and have not made any allegations or accusations.
The total monetary value of the livestock could not be ascertained at the time of the report.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has urged the community to remain calm and treat the incident as a natural phenomenon. The police are working to further investigate the incident.
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, CSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to newsmen on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
What happened was similar to when lightning killed eight cows in the Ori-Ohin community in Ifon, the headquarters of Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Sunday, 7 April 2025.
The spokesperson of Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident to Channels Television.
He expressed dismay at the unfortunate incident, noting that it was a natural occurrence.
Ayanlade added that police authorities have reached out to the community heads to ensure the incident does not lead to controversy.
A similar incident, as Channels put it, happened in 2019 in Ijare, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, where thunder and lightning killed 36 cows on a hill in the community.