It has now been revealed that the late veterinary technologist at the zoological gardens of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Mr Olabode Olawuyi was attacked by the 9- year old lion while attempting to free a woman who was first attacked by the animal.
The woman also happened to be a staff at the zoo.
The Chairman of the National Association of Non-Academic Staff of Universities, OAU branch, Mr Wole Odewumi who disclosed this explained that the veterinary technologist intervened to free the woman from the lion while assuming the lion would recognise him but his intervention to free the woman infuriated the animal which led to the unfortunate incident.
The deceased was however rushed to the health centre on campus after he was freed from the lion’s grip but unfortunately died before getting to the health care centre while the attacked woman is still on admission receiving treatment presently.
The management of the institution in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olanrewaju, explained that members of staff who were at the scene of the incident did everything within their power to rescue the deceased, but could not, as the animal held him and mauled him.
A mourning procession has been held on the campus in honour of the late veterinary technologist by all unions on the campus.
Meanwhile the zoological garden has been officially locked up while a committee has been set up to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Report says the 59-year-old Olawuyi born on December 22nd, 1965 would have retired from service in 2025.
According to a video recorded at the scene, the lion was later shot dead by a security operative working with the school.
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