The Ogun State Police Command has officially confirmed the unfortunate death of 32 cows, an incident attributed to a severe thunderstorm coupled with intense lightning. The devastating event occurred on Saturday, June 21, in the Osara community, located within the Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the Command, issued a statement on Sunday in Abeokuta, providing details of the incident. According to her statement, two herders from the Osara community reported the discovery of their deceased livestock to the police divisional headquarters at Aregbe at approximately 4:40 p.m. on June 21. The herders, who shared responsibility for the herd, strongly suspected that the deaths were a direct consequence of the heavy rainstorm and accompanying lightning.

Upon receiving the report, a prompt on-the-spot assessment was conducted by the Divisional Police Officer. Initial observations from this assessment revealed no visible injuries on the cows, and they were found lying lifeless in various positions within the forest. Importantly, the owners of the cattle explicitly confirmed that they did not suspect any individual or group of foul play, nor did they make any allegations or accusations regarding the deaths. At the time of the police report, the total monetary value of the lost livestock had not yet been ascertained.

In response to the incident, Lanre Ogunlowo, the state’s Commissioner of Police, urged the local community to maintain calm and to regard the event as a natural phenomenon, emphasizing that no foul play was suspected. The Baale of Osara, Chief Wasiu Afolabi, also commented on the incident, acknowledging the loss of the 32 cows due to the thunder and lightning, further solidifying the nature of the tragic event.