By Mike Mbonye
Johannesburg – Mr Trust Owoyele, Welfare Officer of Nigeria Union, South Africa has urged members of the union to remain alert, five lions that missed in Fochville, Johannesburg West.
Warrant Officer Jan Esterhuysen, the Rural Safety Coordinator of Fochville, in Western Johannesburg, said the lions, a large male and four smaller ones, escaped from an unknown sanctuary on Sept.9.
Owoyele told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday that experts had not captured the lions, five days after they escaped.
He further advised Nigerians resident in the area on the need to adopt safety and security measures, adding that big cats could be hiding in nearby bush, parks or farms with livestock.
“ A day after they escaped, the lions were seen feeding on a cow on a farm. They are still dangerous while at large.
“ We appeal to Nigerians to be very safety conscious until the animals are captured.
“ Information available to the union shows that the lions are still at large and a threat to the public,” he said.
Meanwhile, residents of Fochville have expressed worry about the missing lions and urged authorities to capture the big cats as quickly as possible.
They said that wildlife experts had warned that the animals could approach human settlements as they grow hungrier.
