Govt Sympathizes As Herdsmen Lose 17 Cows To Thunderstorm In Osun

About 17 cows and two sheep were reportedly killed by a thunderstorm in Iba, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State on Friday.

An eyewitness told newsmen on Saturday that the incident happened at Gaa Eleesun, a community mostly populated by Fulani herdsmen.

It was further learnt that the thunderstorm, which struck around 6:00pm, also injured many individuals in the community, causing serious apprehension.

The leader of Gaa Eleesun community, Chief Jimoh Soliu confirmed the incident, saying they had just returned from pasturing when the thunder struck.

“We had just returned from pasturing when thunder started striking. We ran into the houses leaving our cows outside. But to our shock, we found 17 cows and two sheep dead outside.

“This is devastating for us because since we have been staying in this community, this strange occurrence has never happened.”

Meanwhile, the State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has sympathised with the affected Fulani herdsmen.

The governor, while on a solidarity visit to the area, assured the herdsmen of his support.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Security, Abiodun Ajisefini, the governor commended the people of Iba on the exemplary way they have coexisted peacefully with the cattle traders of Fulani extraction in the community.

The governor said: “We 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. They 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 government’s support at a time like this.”