Thunderstorm kills 32 cows in Ogun forest, Police rule out foul play
Thirty-two cows were discovered dead in a forest near Osara community in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State following a heavy rainstorm, the state police command confirmed on Sunday.
According to a statement signed by the State’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, the incident occurred during a rainstorm on June 21, 2025, at about 4:40 p.m. The herders, who jointly owned the livestock, reported the matter at the Aregbe Divisional Headquarters, suspecting that the deaths were caused by a thunderstorm accompanied by intense lightning.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer conducted an immediate on-the-spot assessment of the scene. Preliminary findings indicated that there were no signs of physical injury or foul play on the animals, which were discovered lying lifeless in various positions across the forest.
The owners of the cattle told the police they did not suspect any individuals or groups in connection with the deaths, nor did they make any formal allegations. The exact monetary value of the dead livestock is yet to be determined.
In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, urged residents of the area to remain calm, stressing that the situation appeared to be a natural occurrence.
Police have said investigations would continue, but all indications currently point to a natural disaster as the cause of the mass deaths.
