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By Emmanuel Adeleke
There was pandemonium in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Monday, after a lion attacked and killed a staff of the institution, who was in-charge of the zoological garden.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, said the zoo keeper, who is a veterinary technologist identified as Olabode Olawuyi, was killed by a 9-year-old lion while he was feeding the animals in their den at the garden.
“Mr Olawuyi, who has been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade, was attacked this afternoon, Monday, February 19, 2024 by a 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,” the statement read.
Olarewaju said the VC, Prof Adebayo Bamire, conducted an on the spot assessment, adding that he was informed on arrival by the Acting Director of the university’s 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. 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’s 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,” the PRO stated.