A 9-year old male lion has killed Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist with the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that Mr Olawuyi, who has been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade, was attacked on Monday by the 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,” he said.
He noted that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon 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.
The statement added that the aggressive Lion has been euthanized.
According to the statement, Olawuyi has been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about 9 years ago.
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, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
