Tragic Incident: OAU Staff Killed by Lion While Feeding

 

Olabode Olawuyi, a staff member of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun state, was attacked and killed by a lion he was feeding on Monday.

Olawuyi, who worked in the zoological department and was responsible for the lion, was feeding the animal when he was attacked.

Efforts by other staff members to rescue him proved unsuccessful, leading to Olawuyi's death.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, said Olawuyi was attacked while feeding the nine-year-old lion in its den.

The news of the incident caused mourning in the university community, leading to the abrupt end of a management meeting. The lion involved in the attack has been euthanized.

In a statement, Olarewaju said, "Mr Olabode Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist, who has been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade, was attacked this afternoon, Monday, 19th February 2024, by a 9-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.

"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 9 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.

"Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident."