In a tragic incident at the Zoological garden of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, a 9-year-old male lion fatally attacked Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a veteran zookeeper who had been caring for the lions for over a decade.
The Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident, stating that the lion attacked Olawuyi while he was feeding the wild cats in their den. Despite efforts from other staff members to rescue him, the lion had already inflicted severe injuries.
“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,” Olarewaju explained in a statement.
Expressing condolences, the university management has sent a delegation to the deceased zookeeper's widow and children, urging them to find solace in God during this difficult time.
