Nigeria: Human Error Blamed for Lion Attack at OAU: Insights from the Students’ Union President
By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria
The tragic incident of a lion attack that resulted in the death of a zookeeper at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been attributed to human error, according to the Students’ Union President, Abbas Akinremi. In a recent statement, Akinremi shed light on the unfortunate event and provided reassurance regarding the safety of students both on and off-campus.
Speaking to Vanguard after the incident, Akinremi revealed that the deceased zookeeper had forgotten to secure the gate of the lion’s den after feeding the animal, which led to the fatal attack. He clarified that the incident was not a result of any negligence on the part of the university’s management but was instead an unfortunate error by the individual responsible for the lion’s care.
Akinremi also took the opportunity to express his condolences to the family of the deceased zookeeper, describing him as a diligent and kind-hearted person who had always been attentive to the needs of students during their visits to the zoo.
In response to the incident, the lion involved has been humanely euthanized to prevent any further harm. Akinremi emphasized that there is no cause for alarm, as the campus remains calm and all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of the university community.
In conclusion, Akinremi reiterated that the OAU community is resilient and united in the face of adversity. He assured students and staff that the university is committed to their safety and well-being, and measures are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
