He Forgot To Lock The Gate-OAU SU President Speaks On How Lion Mauls Veterinary Staff To Death During Meal Time
A Veterinary Staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on Monday was reported dead after a tragic encounter he had with one of the lions at the Institution’s Zoological garden
It was gathered that the lion aged 9 fiercely attacked and killed its minder, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi during feeding.
According to reports, the victim, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, had cared for the lion alongside other animals in the Zoological garden for over a decade.
Reacting to the incident, the institution’s Spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju confirmed the incident in a statement.
He 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.
President of the Student Union, Mr Abbas Akinremi, disclosed to newsmen that the lion attack incident that led to the death of a zookeeper was due to human error.
He explained that the deceased failed to lock the gate after feeding the lion.
“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.
Meanwhile, the varsity spokesman said the management had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
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