A veterinary technologist with the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Mr Olawuyi Olarewaju, has been killed by a lion.
It was learnt that Olarewaju, who had overseen the OAU Zoological Garden for over a decade, was attacked by a nine-year-old male lion on Monday, February 19, 2024.
He was said to have been attacked while feeding the lion at the zoological garden of the university.
Confirming the incident, Mr Biodun Olarewaju, the OAU Public Relations Officer, said the management of the university had been thrown into mourning following the incident.
Olarewaju, in a statement in Ile-Ife, said that other members of staff of the university who were at the scene of the incident did everything within their powers to rescue the deceased, but the wild cat had already caused severe fatalities.
He said that, saddened by the tragic event, the university authority proceeded to euthanise the aggressive lion.
“On hearing the sad news, the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, abruptly ended an on-going meeting for an on-the-spot assessment.
“The vice chancellor 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 failed.
“The deceased 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,” he said.
Olarewaju said that the management had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
By Victor Adeoti
