A heartbreaking incident occurred at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where a zookeeper lost his life while attempting to rescue a woman from a lion attack.
As gathered by Beyond Boders, the university has taken the decision to close down the zoological garden on the campus following this tragic event.
Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist, bravely intervened when a nine-year-old lion attacked a female staff member. Sadly, his attempt to free the woman led to the lion turning its aggression towards him, resulting in a fatal outcome.
Chairman of the National Association of Non-Academic Staff of Universities (NASU), OAU branch, Mr. Wole Odewumi, shared details of the incident, stating, “The deceased intervened to free the woman from the lion. He must have assumed that the lion would recognise him. His intervention to free the woman must have infuriated the animal. The lion left the woman and attacked him squarely.”
Despite efforts to save Olawuyi, he succumbed to his injuries before reaching the campus health centre.
The university community mourned his loss with a procession, and university management has assured action to address the situation.
The zoo has been closed indefinitely, with authorities focusing on ensuring the safety of staff and visitors.
