Thirty-two cows were killed by a lightning strike during a torrential downpour in Osara, a village in the Obantoko area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The incident, which occurred around 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, triggered alarm among local Fulani herders, who promptly informed the community leader, Baale Wasiu Afolabi.

“I was at home when the herders came to report that lightning had killed their cows,” Afolabi told journalists. “I went to the grazing station and saw all 32 cows lying lifeless. We’ve reported the case to the Aregbe Police Division and to the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Dr Afolashade Adeyemo.”

Confirming the report, Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo said the event was brought to the attention of the Aregbe Divisional Police Officer at about 1:30 p.m. on June 21. Officers were immediately deployed to assess the situation.

“Thirty-two cows were struck dead when thunder and lightning occurred during the heavy rain,” Ogunlowo stated in a message to the press.

The unusual natural occurrence has left the community stunned and sparked concern over the risks posed by extreme weather to rural and livestock-dependent populations.

Community leaders have scheduled a meeting with the herders to discuss next steps and ensure the incident does not result in tensions.

Authorities are urging calm and continued dialogue as efforts continue to manage the aftermath of the strike, which is being treated as an environmental accident.