Tragedy Strikes as OAU Loses Veterinary Technologist to Lion Attack in Zoological Garden

Tragedy struck at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife as the National Association of Non-Teaching Staff of Universities (NANTSU) mourns the loss of Olabode Olawuyi, a dedicated veterinary technologist, who tragically lost his life in a lion attack at the university’s zoological garden on Monday.

Speaking to The PUNCH, Wole Odewumi, the chairman of NANTSU at OAU branch, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. While details surrounding the attack remain unclear, it was confirmed that another staff member was also injured during the tragic event.

The circumstances leading to the lion attack are yet to be fully elucidated. Speculations abound that Olawuyi inadvertently left the cage open while attempting to feed the animal, resulting in the fatal encounter with the lion.

Odwumi, who plans to visit the scene of the incident on Tuesday, refrained from confirming this narrative, emphasizing the need to ascertain the facts surrounding the tragedy.

He asserted that the NANTSU leadership would engage the university’s management to address the welfare of Olawuyi’s bereaved family. Describing the loss as a significant blow to the OAU community, Odewumi extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving family, acknowledging the profound impact of Olawuyi’s untimely demise.