The veterinary technologist in charge of the Zoological Garden of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, has been killed by a lion on the campus.

The management of the institution in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, explained that the incident happened when the deceased was feeding the animals in their den at the garden.

Olanrewaju said other members of staff who were at the scene of the incident did everything within their power to rescue the deceased, but the wild cat had already caused severe fatalities on his body.

The statement party read, “The management, staff, students and the entire campus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, have been thrown into mourning following the untimely death of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi.

“A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that Mr Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist, who had been in charge of the Zoological Garden for over a decade, was attacked this afternoon, Monday, February 19, 2024, by a nine-year-old male 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.”

Freelanews gathered that on hearing the sad news, the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Simeon Bamire, abruptly ended their meeting for an on-the-spot assessment.

“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 euthanised. Mr Olawuyi had 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 said it had 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, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident,” the statement further read.