Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been thrown into mourning following the death of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi.
According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, the veterinary technologist, who has been in charge of the zoological garden for over a decade, was attacked on Monday by a nine-year-old male lion when he was feeding them in their den at the zoological garden of the institution.
Other members of staff, who were at the scene of the incident, did everything possible 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, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, abruptly ended an on-going meeting for an on-the-spot assessment
On arrival at the scene, Bamire was briefed 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 euthanised.
Olawuyi has been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about nine 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.
The Vice-Chancellorhas ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
