By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
A nine-year-old lion has reportedly killed a Veterinary Technologist and its caregiver, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, at the Zoological Garden of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
This was disclosed on Monday in a release by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju.
He said the entire management and staff of the institution have been plunged into mourning as a result of the incident.
Olarewaju said the deceased had been in charge of the Zoological Garden for over a decade since the beasts were born.
According to him, Olawuyi was attacked afternoon of Monday 19, 2024 while feeding the male lion and others in their den at the garden.
“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 ongoing meeting for an on-the-spot assessment
“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.
“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 nine 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 statement read in parts.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bamire, is days to have ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the tragic incident.
VIDEO: Body of slain Mr. Olabode Olawuyi and how the aggressive lion was euthanized. (Viewers discretion advised)
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