The people of Ikogosi-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government area of Ekiti State were on Saturday thrown into confusion following the death of 15 cows by lightning.
The incident, according to Asaoye of Ikogosi, Chief Ayo Ademilua, was a natural occurrence, though strange in the town.
Ademilua revealed that the incident happened at the Ikogosi Warm Spring site, along Ipole-Ekiti road.
The site has been a notable recreational and tourist centre, where warm and cold spring converge.
The Chief said the thunder was said to have struck during a torrential downpour between 4:00pm and 6:02pm.
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“The whole town shook when the thunder struck. Later, we saw some commuters coming into town and those returning home from their farms saw the Fulani herders who disclosed that it was thunder that killed the cattle.”
The Onikogosi of Ikogosi Ekiti, Oba Abiodun Olorunnisola, alleged that the herders have been making frantic efforts to sell the cows to residents.
He said he had reached out to his colleague at Ipole-Ekiti, Oba Oladele Babatola, on the the need to warn his people on the danger of consuming the unhealthy meat.
He therefore called on the government to evacuate the carcasses of the cows to prevent spread of communicable diseases in the towns.
Meanwhile, spokesman of the Ekiti State Police Command, Sunday Abutu, said the incident has not been reported to the police because it was a natural occurrence.
Abutu said if the owner of the cattle suspects foul play and report the incident, the police will carry out a thorough investigation.