By Tragedy Strikes in OAU as Lion Kills Staff in Zoological Garden
Ghazali Ibrahim
The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has been thrown into mourning after a veterinarian was killed by a male lion in the university’s zoological garden.
The deceased, Olabode Olawuyi, was said to have been killed by a lion he nurtured from birth.
The tragic news was confirmed in a statement released by the varsity’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, immediate efforts by members of staff at the scene of the incident to rescue the victim proved abortive. First aid and medical efforts to save his life were also futile.
In response to the incident, the university management made the difficult decision to painlessly kill the aggressive lion.
“Mr 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 statement added.
“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.
“Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.”
