OLA AJAYI, IBADAN
The authorities of the University of Ibadan have denied the rumour that two lions have escaped from their cages at the zoological gardens in the institution and are said to be on rampage.
The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mrs. Joke Akinpelu, said the widely circulated SMS message that has caused panic among lecturers, students, parents and guardians about lions on rampage in the institution is not true and baseless.
According to Akinpelu, “the news is a mere rumour. It is a wild rumour. There is nothing like that. Some people just like causing unnecessary confusion. Immediately the rumour got to us on Saturday, I confirmed from the Director of the Zoo, who said the news was false.
She went further saying, the University has six lions and the six are intact in their cages as I am speaking to you now. No lion escaped and nobody was injured or killed as claimed.
When the rumour was spread, she noted that the institution quickly sent a news item, dispelling the rumour to the Oyo State Broadcasting Television. This was relayed, repeatedly.
She called on the public not to exercise any fear but to go about their duties as the attack from any imaginary lion was nothing but false.
The circulated SMS message claimed that a lecturer had alerted security operatives that he had seen the two lions roaming along ‘Tech Road’ near the Zoo, while another message alleged that some people were attacked by the lions.