A veterinary technologist, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi was on Monday mauled to death by a nine-year-old male lion at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Zoological Garden in Ile-Ile, Osun State.

According to a statement made public by the University’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Abiodun Olarewaju, Mr. Olawuyi, who had overseen the varsity’s Zoological Garden for more than ten years, was ambushed while providing food for the untamed animals in their den.

The university spokesman revealed other members of staff who were at the scene of the incident did everything within their power to rescue their boss, but the wild animal had already caused severe injuries to the deceased.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, who led the management team of the institution for an on-the-spot assessment, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

The statement noted that the Vice Chancellor was briefed 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.

Since the occurrence, the management, staff, students, and the entire University community have been thrown into mourning following the the death of the veterinary technologist.

The OAU PRO added that following the tragic incident, the aggressive lion was immediately euthanized.

According to him, 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,” the statement added.