The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community was on Monday struck by tragedy at its Zoological Garden in Ile-Ife, Osun State, when a nine-year-old male lion killed a Veterinary Technologist, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi.
A statement issued by Abiodun Olarewaju, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the University, disclosed that Mr. Olawuyi, who had been in charge of the Zoological Garden for over a decade, was attacked while feeding the wild animals in their den.
The University spokesman, added that the other members of staff who were at the scene of the incident did everything within their power to rescue their boss, but the wild animal had already caused severe injuries to the deceased.
Meanwhile, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, Vice Chancellor of the University, who led the management team of the institution for an on-the-spot assessment, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
The statement noted that the Vice Chancellor was briefed on arrival by Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, that all first aid and medical efforts to save the life of the victim proved abortive.
Since the incident, the management, staff, students and the entire University community have been thrown into mourning following the the death of the Veterinary Technologist.
The OAU PRO added that following the tragic incident, the aggressive lion was immediately euthanised.
He stated that Mr. Olawuyi had been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about nine years ago but, tragically, the male Lion killed the man who had been feeding them.
Added the statement: “The University management has sent a delegation to the widow and children of the deceased, imploring them to take solace in God who gives life and also has the power to take life”.
