LAGOS, Nigeria — A 30-year-old man, Ubani Usman, was head-butted to death by a cow at an abattoir in the Agege area of Lagos State.
The incident occurred around 7:40 pm on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, when the cow broke loose from its tethering in the slaughterhouse.
Eyewitnesses told journalists that despite police intervention, the animal could not be contained, and local butchers were uncooperative when authorities attempted to arrest the cow.
An anonymous source said, “The man was standing not far from the abattoir when the incident happened. The cow broke loose; before we knew it, it had rammed the man down. We took the victim to the general hospital in the area, but he was later confirmed dead by a doctor.”
According to the eyewitness, local police arrived shortly after the incident but met resistance from the people working in the abattoir.
“When the policemen came to arrest the cow and the owners, the people in the abattoir were not helpful at all. So no arrest has been made,” the source added.
As of the time of this report, the state police public relations officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, was unavailable for comment. His phone went unanswered, and a message sent to him had yet to be responded to.
The shocking event has sent ripples through the community and raised questions about safety measures in local abattoirs.
It also highlights the often uneasy relationship between law enforcement and local businesses in the area.
With the absence of CCTV footage or other forms of surveillance in many such establishments, obtaining evidence can be challenging, leading to a lack of accountability.
Community members are calling for stricter regulations and monitoring of abattoirs to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
“It’s a place of business, but it should also be a place where basic safety measures are adhered to,” said Ifeoma Njoku, a local resident. “What happened is tragic and should serve as a wake-up call for all of us.”
The incident adds to a growing list of public safety concerns in Lagos, from road traffic accidents to crime rates, now including the unexpected threat from livestock.
As the police investigation continues, many wonder if this tragic event will finally prompt stricter oversight of Lagos’ abattoirs.
