Hamidat Ayomide KelaniMr Olabode Olawuyi a veterinarian in zoological department of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ile Nigeria was attacked and killed by a nine year old male lion.
He was attacked on February 19th, 2024 by the male lion while busy feeding him in its den and all efforts of the members of the staff to save him was in futility.
The PRO statement said 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.
He statement read:
“On hearing the sad news, the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, abruptly ended an ongoing meeting for an on-the-spot assessment.
“The 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 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”.
“May the soul of Mr Olabode Olawuyi rest in peace,” the statement said. God, who gives life and also has the power to take life.
The president of the student union Mr Abass Akinremi confirmed the event and also disclosed that the attack led to the death of the zookeeper.
He also allayed the fear of students both off campus and on campus and guaranteed their safety.
Akinremi discloses stating the incident was as a result of human error as the deceased forgot to lock the lion after feeding.
The incident was not due to any complacent management but to unfortunate human error on the part of the deceased. He forgot to lock the gate after feeding the lion.
“He was a good and humble man, who attended to us nicely whenever we went to the zoo. The incident is unfortunate, and we pray to God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
“Meanwhile, the lion has been killed, and we are not under any apprehension as a result of the incident. The campus is calm, and we are all fine,” he said.
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