Lion reportedly attacked and killed, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, the veterinary technologist in charge of the Zoological Garden of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The unfortunate incident happened when the zookeeper who has been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade was feeding the animals in their den.

The Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday said all efforts to rescue Olawuyi proved abortive as the wild cat had already caused severe fatalities on his body.

He 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 k*illed the man who had been feeding them.

“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.”

Wakadaily learnt that upon hearing the tragic incident the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Adebayo Bamire, 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 euthanised. Mr Olawuyi had 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,” he added.

The spokesman of the university notes that the management had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.