“They’re My Only Source of Livelihood” – Herder Cries Out After Lightning Kills 32 Cows in Ogun

A tragic lightning strike in Osara, a village in the Obantoko area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, has left Abdullahi Idris, a herder and father of six, devastated after losing 32 cows in a single incident. The cows, estimated to be worth over N32 million, were reportedly killed instantly by the strike, which occurred around noon on June 22 during a rainstorm.

Speaking in deep sorrow, Idris described the loss as catastrophic, explaining that the livestock represented his only means of livelihood. “This has never happened before in all of my existence until now. I have only heard of things like this on the radio. Now I have nothing left,” he said. Idris pleaded with the state government to intervene, highlighting that he supports not only his children’s education with the income from the cows but also his eight siblings.

While the community remains shocked by the incident, local beliefs have sparked spiritual interpretations. Oba Ololade Sunday, the Oba Isegun General of Ewekoro Local Government, suggested the lightning strike may be a sign of divine anger, possibly from Sango, the Yoruba god of thunder. He urged residents to be cautious, saying such incidents could indicate something spiritually suspicious in the area, though he noted there was no immediate cause for alarm since no human lives were lost.

In contrast, officials from Odeda Local Government dismissed any spiritual link, describing the event as a natural phenomenon. Sanitarian Kehinde Adeyemi, Director of Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation, confirmed that 28 cow carcasses were recovered and would be buried to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. She emphasized that the local government responded swiftly, implementing disinfection and decontamination protocols at the scene.

Community leaders have also clarified that there is no conflict between the herders and local residents. Osikoya Ademola, Chairman of the Community Development Association, acknowledged prior concerns about hygiene in the grazing area but stressed that relations with the herders had been peaceful.

Ogun State House of Assembly Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, visited the site and expressed condolences, calling for government support to ease the herder’s financial burden. “We are not saying they should pay for all the cows, but something must be done by the state,” he stated. He also dismissed any ethnic tensions, noting that the affected herders are indigenous to the area and well-integrated into the local community.

Folashade Adeyemo, Chairman of Odeda Local Government, reassured the public that measures were being taken to clear the carcasses promptly and maintain environmental safety.