There was pandemonium in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State on Monday after a lion killed a staff of the institution who was in charge of the zoological garden.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Simeon Bamire, ordered for full investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Abiodun Olarewaju, explained the zoo keeper, a Veterinary Technologist, identified as Olabode Olawuyi was killed by a nine-year-old lion while feeding animals in the garden.
According to him: “Mr Olawuyi who has been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade was attacked this afternoon, Monday, 19th February 2024 by a 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.”
He disclosed that the VC conducted an on-the-spot assessment and was informed 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 nine 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.”
The Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident in a statement said, “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,” he added.
In February 2018, a 22-year-old woman was mauled to death by a lion at a private game lodge close to South Africa’s capital Pretoria.
The victim was attacked by the lioness near Hammanskraal, roughly 45 kilometres (30 miles) north of Pretoria around 0900 GMT.
“When Netcare 911 paramedics arrived at the scene, bystanders had initiated (resuscitation). Tragically, the victim had sustained severe injuries and she died at the scene,” Nick Dollman, spokesman for the Netcare 911 ambulance service, said.
Also in August 2022, a South African conservationist was killed by lions he hand-reared, according to the family.
West Mathewson, 69, was walking two white lionesses when one of the animals attacked and killed him without warning.
The incident took place on the premises of the family-owned Lion Tree Top Lodge, in South Africa’s northern Limpopo province.
