At least 19 cows were killed by lightning at Iba in Ifelodun Local
Government Area of Osun State.
According to reports, some herdsmen were rearing their cattle on the
field around Apala area of the town when the incident happened.
While sympathising with the herdsmen over the incident, Adekunle
Oyedeji, the monarch of the town, asked them to burn the dead cows to
avoid outbreak of epidemic.
In a statement by Gbolagunte Bamigbola, his media aide, Oyedeji called
for calm among indigenes and residents of the town.
โThe people of Iba, have over the years been living harmoniously with
Fulani natives living in our domain,โ he said.
โThe death of the cows belonging to the Fulani cattle rearers living
among us was a natural occurrence ocassioned by a thunder that struck
in the town.โ
Also, Gboyega Oyetola, the governor, sympathised with owners of the dead cows.
Oyetola, who spoke through Biodun Ajisefini, his special adviser for
agriculture and food security, commended the people of the town for
living peacefully with herdsmen in the town.
โWe are indeed sad about the unfortunate incident. Lightning is a
natural phenomenon that we have no power or control over. The traders
who suffered this loss are part of us, not strangers,โ he said.
โThey have lived here for decades and I commend them for their
exemplary contributions to peace in Iba community. I want to assure
them of my support and indeed governmentโs support at a time like
this.โ
In September, 36 cows were struck dead (pictured) by lightning at
Ijare in Ifedore local government area of Ondo State.
The cows had strayed into a โsacred hillโ in the town.
