Tragedy struck in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State after a lion killed a zoo keeper who was feeding it on Monday.
The zoo keeper identified as Olabode Olawuyi was killed by a 9-year-old lion at the facility.
A source in the zoo explained that Mr Olawuyi was a Veterinary Technologist who had been taking care of lions at the zoo for over 10 years.
The source disclosed that during the attack, the assistant of Mr Olabode tried to save him but was unable to as the ferocious lion devoured the zoo keeper.
The spokesperson of the institution, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident, noting that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, has ordered a full investigation into the incident.
According to him, “Mr Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist who has been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade, was attacked this afternoon, Monday, 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.
“On hearing the sad news, the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, abruptly ended an on going meeting for an on the spot assessment. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bamire was informed, on arrival, by the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, that all first aid and medical efforts to save the life of the victim proved abortive.
“Saddened by this tragic event, the aggressive Lion has been euthanized. 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.”
“The Vice-Chancellor has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident,” he added.