A staff of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, in Osun state, Olabode Olawuyi, has been killed by a lion he was feeding on Monday.

Efforts to rescue Olabode from the animal proved abortive and he eventually died.

The Public Relations Officer of OAU, Abiodun Olanrewaju, confirmed the tragic incident.

According to Olanrewaju, the deceased was attacked while feeding the nine-year-old lion in its den.

“Mr Olawuyi has been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about 9 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.

“Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident,” the statement read in part.