A tragic incident occurred in Osaara, Ajegunle community, Obantoko Ward, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, when a lightning strike killed 32 cows yesterday. The disaster has drawn the attention of top government officials, including the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Hon. Dr. Folasade Adeyemo, and the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, who visited the scene to assess the situation and offer support.
During their visit, the officials commiserated with the affected herders and community members, describing the incident as an “act of God.” They urged all parties to remain peaceful and avoid any form of conflict.
Hon. Adeyemo assured the community that the local and state governments would work together to prevent environmental pollution in the area. She stated that the Ogun State Ministry of Environment would be mobilised to clean up the site and properly dispose of the carcasses.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly also warned against selling or consuming the dead cows, emphasising that the government would handle the situation appropriately. He promised to escalate the matter to the state government for further intervention.
The Baale of Osaara, Chief Wasiu Afolabi expressed gratitude to the government officials for their prompt response and pledged the community’s cooperation with authorities. He assured that the residents would abide by the law and avoid any actions that could escalate tensions.
Reports indicate that the affected cows were owned by both Hausa/Fulani herders and Yoruba farmers, showcasing cooperation between the two groups. Security agencies, including the *Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)*, have been deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law.
Government officials urged the herders and community members to remain calm, stressing that the incident was a natural disaster rather than a human-induced crisis. They advised against taking the law into their own hands and assured them of the government’s commitment to their welfare.
Meanwhile, the local government chairman, alongside environmental officials, has restricted access to the site where the cows were struck. The area has been cordoned off to prevent human contact, as the decomposing carcasses could pose health hazards.
The incident has drawn attention to the need for disaster preparedness in rural communities, particularly during the rainy season when lightning strikes are more frequent. Authorities have promised further engagement with stakeholders to mitigate future risks.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
