News Investigators/ A Veterinary Technologist at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Olabode Olawuyi, has been killed by a lion while feeding him.
Mr Olawuyi had been taking care of the lion since he was born on the campus zoological garden for nine years but, tragically loss his life on Monday following attack by the lion.
The tragedy struck when the nine-year-old male lion attacked and killed Mr. Olawuyi even as other staff tried in vain to rescue him.
A release by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, said Mr Olawuyi, who had been in charge of the varsity’s Zoological Garden for over a decade, was attacked while feeding the wild animals in their den.
According to the University spokesman, 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, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, 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 the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, Tirimisiyu Olatunji, that all first aid and medical efforts to save the life of the victim proved abortive.
Since the occurrence, 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 euthanized.
“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 statement added.
-Additional report from Leadership
