Tragedy struck the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community as they mourned the loss of Olabode Olawuyi, a dedicated veterinary technologist, who tragically lost his life in an incident involving one of the lions at the university's zoo.

According to Abiodun Olarewaju, the spokesperson for the university, Olawuyi, who had been overseeing the Zoological Garden for over a decade, was attacked on Monday afternoon while feeding the nine-year-old male lion and its companions in their enclosure.

Despite the valiant efforts of his colleagues to rescue him, Olarewaju stated that the lion's attack had already inflicted fatal injuries.

In response to the distressing news, the university's management, led by Vice-Chancellor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, swiftly concluded an ongoing meeting to conduct an on-site evaluation of the situation.

Upon arrival, Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, informed the Vice-Chancellor that despite all medical efforts, Olawuyi could not be saved.

In a somber decision, the aggressive lion was euthanized following the incident. Olawuyi had cared for the lions since their birth on campus nearly nine years ago, making the tragedy even more poignant.

The university's management has reached out to the bereaved family, offering condolences and urging them to find solace in faith during this difficult time.

In light of the incident, Vice-Chancellor Bamire has initiated a thorough investigation into the immediate and underlying causes, ensuring such a tragedy is prevented.