Panic on OAU campus as lion kills zoo keeper, injures another

The entire community of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, was thrown into panic after a lion allegedly broke loose from its cage and killed a zookeeper.

The deceased was said to be feeding the wild cats in their den at the zoological garden of the university when the nine-year-old lion suddenly perched on the zoo worker and tore him to pieces.

The victim, identified as Mr Olabode Olawuyi, who was a Veterinary Technologist, was said to have been in charge of the zoological garden for over a decade.

The Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday. He said: “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.

“Other members of staff at the scene of the incident did everything within their power to rescue their boss but the wild cat had already caused severe fatalities.”

Olarewaju said upon hearing the news, the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Adebayo Bamire, abruptly ended an ongoing meeting for an on-the-spot assessment.

“The Vice-Chancellor 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 euthanised.

“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 it.”

The spokesman added that the management has ordered an investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident. It was gathered that one other staff member of the institution sustained injuries while trying to rescue Olawuyi from the attack.

There was fear in the university community following the sad event.

Students and staff members became more worried when the injured staff was said to have been rushed to the campus health centre on Monday.

“Everyone has been very careful about their movement since the incident because we heard that the lion is on the loose. We are afraid,” s student said.