Ogun Residents Alarmed Over Stench From 32 Lightning-Struck Dead Cows

Residents of the Osara community in the Obantoko area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, have raised serious concerns over the offensive odour from the decomposing bodies of 32 cows that were reportedly killed by a lightning strike during a heavy downpour on Saturday.

The tragic incident was confirmed by the community leader, Baale Wasiu Afolabi, who said Fulani herders informed him about the deaths around 2:00 p.m. on the same day.

Top officials including Ogun State House of Assembly Speaker, Daisi Elemide, Odeda Local Government Chairman, Dr. Afolashade Adeyemo, and Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, visited the site on Sunday and urged residents to remain calm. However, locals say no action has been taken since, and the stench is becoming unbearable, with fears of a potential disease outbreak mounting.

A resident, Olamide, expressed frustration that despite promises from visiting government officials, the dead cows remain unburied, posing a threat to public health.

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous due to his job, said the smell had disrupted their sleep and appealed to the government for swift intervention.

According to a community leader, environmental health officers visited the site on Tuesday, explaining that they were awaiting an excavator to dig burial pits. But as of the time of this report, no burial had occurred.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed awareness of the situation and stated the burial would take place on Tuesday, but residents maintained the carcasses were still untouched.

The community continues to appeal for urgent government action to prevent an environmental and health crisis.