A staff of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Mr Olabode Olawuyi have been attacked to death by a lion in the university zoo.
This was confirmed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju.
The PRO stated that Mr Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist, who has been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade, was attacked on Monday afternoon, 19th February, 2024, by a 9 – year old male lion when he was feeding them in their den at the Zoological garden of the University.
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 cat had already caused severe fatalities.
Mr Olawuyi has been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about 9 years ago but, tragically, the male Lion killed the man who had been feeding them.
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.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
