A nine-year-old male lion murdered Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technician, at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Zoological Garden in Ile-Ile, Osun State, on Monday.
According to a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Abiodun Olarewaju, Mr. Olawuyi—who had overseen the Zoological Garden for more than ten years—was ambushed while providing food for the untamed creatures in their den.
The university spokeswoman stated that although the other employees present at the scene did everything in their power to save their supervisor, the deceased had already suffered serious injuries from the wild animal.
A thorough study into the immediate and distant causes of the occurrence has been requested by Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, the Vice Chancellor of the University, who headed the management team for an on-the-spot evaluation.
According to the statement, Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, the acting director of the University Health and Medical Centre, informed the vice chancellor upon his arrival that all attempts to save the victim’s life, including first aid, had failed.