By: Queen Soetan
The Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo university, Ile-Ife, Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mauling of one of his staff, a zookeeper at a time he was carrying out his duties at the institution's zoological garden.
The university according to the VC in his remark is devastated following the tragic death of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist who served as the caretaker of the Zoological garden for over a decade.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Monday, 19th February, 2024 when Mr. Olawuyi was attacked by a 9-year-old male lion while feeding it as usual.
further in his remarks, professor Bamire explained that "Efforts made by other staff members present at the scene proved abortive, the attack was fatal, resulting in severe injuries to Mr. Olawuyi.
Mr. Olawuyi had been responsible for the care of the lions since their birth on campus approximately nine years ago, making the tragic circumstances of his death even more touching.
Bamire has therefore promised that immediate investigation into the incidence aiming to determine both its immediate and underlying causes will be conducted by the institution.
Meanwhile, a video that widely circulated not long after the incident was reported showed that the lion was shot and killed by other members of the staff, most likely Mr. Olawuyi's colleagues.