A lion has killed the veterinary technologist in charge of the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) zoological garden, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the university, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju, made the announcement in a statement made available to journalists on Monday.
Olanrewaju added that Olawuyi, who had been in charge of the garden for over a decade, was attacked in the afternoon by a nine years old male lion when he was feeding them in their den.
He explained that 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 then said, “Saddened by this tragic event, the aggressive Lion has been euthanized”.
According to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, to euthanise means “to kill a sick or injured animal or person by giving them drugs so that they die without pain.”
Olanrewaju further said on hearing the sad news, the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Adebayo Simeon Bamire, abruptly ended an ongoing meeting for an on the spot assessment.
Olarewaju added that upon enquiry, 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.
The spokesman said the university management had 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 also disclosed that the Vice-Chancellor had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
It is instructive to note that the incident thrown the management, staff, students and the entire campus of the university into mourning.
The OAU also prayed for the repose of the soul of Olawuyi.
 zoological garden, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi.){kind=link}