Residents of the Osara community in the Obantoko area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, have raised alarm over the unbearable stench from 32 dead cows struck by lightning during a rainstorm on Saturday.
The carcasses, left to rot in the open, have sparked fears of a potential disease outbreak.
The incident was confirmed by the community leader, Baale Wasiu Afolabi, who said Fulani herders informed him about the deaths during the heavy rainfall around 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Despite visits by top government officials — including the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide; Odeda Local Government Chairperson, Dr. Afolashade Adeyemo; and the State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo — residents say no action has been taken to dispose of the decomposing animals.
A resident, Olamide, told PUNCH Metro that the smell had become a public health concern.
“Government officials visited on Sunday and promised to act, but nothing has been done.
We fear it might take an outbreak before they respond,” she said.
Another resident, who asked not to be named, added, “The smell is terrible.
“It woke us up this morning. We’re pleading with the government to intervene urgently.”
A local leader also confirmed that environmental health officers visited the scene on Tuesday and said they were waiting for an excavator to dig a mass grave for the animals.
However, no burial had taken place as of the time of reporting.
Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, assured that the cows would be buried on Tuesday.
Yet, residents said the animals remained unburied by evening.