In a bizarre and tragic twist of nature, 32 cows were reportedly struck dead by lightning during a heavy downpour in the Osara, Obantoko area of Abeokuta, located in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The shocking incident, which occurred on Saturday, was made public via the official X handle of Nigerian Stories. According to the report, the unfortunate event unfolded as a thunderstorm swept through the community, unleashing a bolt of lightning that killed the cattle instantly.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as both terrifying and surreal. “It was like something out of a movie — a loud thunderclap, followed by a blinding flash, and then silence. When we got there, all the cows were lying motionless,” said a local resident who arrived at the scene shortly after the strike.
While the full details surrounding the circumstances remain unclear, the event has sent shockwaves through the local livestock farming community, many of whom depend on cattle rearing for their livelihoods.
As of the time of filing this report, local authorities have yet to issue an official statement, and it is not immediately known whether the cattle belonged to a private herder or a commercial farm.
This natural catastrophe underscores the unpredictability and ferocity of extreme weather conditions, particularly during Nigeria’s rainy season, and raises concerns about the need for improved safety measures for livestock during storms.
More updates to follow as investigations continue.
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