Lightning Kills 32 Cows Worth ₦100m in Ogun, Triggers Traditional Rites
By IDNN South West Desk
Abeokuta, Ogun State — Tragedy struck during a torrential downpour in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State on Saturday, as a bolt of lightning killed 32 cows valued at nearly ₦100 million, sending shockwaves through the Obantoko-Osara community.
The community leader, Chief Wasiu Afolabi, confirmed the incident on Sunday, stating that the lightning struck around 12 PM, instantly electrocuting the cattle belonging to Fulani herders. The area is known for its livestock trade and the loss is being described as one of the worst natural disasters to hit the region’s agrarian economy in recent memory.
“We’ve never witnessed anything like this,” Chief Afolabi told IDNN NEWS . “These were full-grown cows, many of them ready for market. The loss is monumental.”
Rituals Ordered, Community in Mourning
Following the incident, traditional religious leaders, specifically Sango priests, were called in to perform ritual rites of appeasement before burial could proceed. Community elders and Fulani representatives reportedly met with police to maintain calm and forestall any tensions.
Afolabi revealed that sanitary officials from the Odeda Local Government would oversee the burial of the animals after the rites are concluded, adding that the community would bear the cost of the spiritual and sanitary operations.
“These are very big cows. You can testify to this with the viral videos. It’s indeed a huge loss,” Afolabi added.
Calls for Government Support
Hassan Momodu, elder brother of the herder who owns the cows, called on the Ogun State Government to come to their aid, explaining that the business supports over 20 families and the loss has rendered them destitute overnight.
“My brother is the breadwinner of our family. This business feeds many mouths. We’re begging the government to intervene,” Momodu pleaded.
Both the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide, and the Chairperson of Odeda LGA, Dr Afolashade Adeyemo, have visited the scene to assess the damage and console the affected community.
Police Confirm Incident
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed the event in a WhatsApp message, stating that the Aregbe Division DPO led a team to the scene where all 32 carcasses were documented.
“The incident occurred during the downpour. The cows were struck by lightning. It was reported by 1:30 PM on June 21, 2025,” the CP said.