A tragic incident occurred at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Zoological Garden in Abeokuta, Ogun State, when a 35-year-old lion handler, Babaji Daule, was killed by a lion on Saturday. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the death on Sunday, detailing the unfortunate circumstances that led to the fatal attack.
According to Omolola Odutola, the police spokesperson, Daule, who was born in Bauchi State, failed to properly secure the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal. This oversight allowed the lion to escape and attack him. The lion inflicted severe injuries to Daule’s neck, leading to his death on the spot.
The police report indicated that the incident occurred around 7:40 a.m. on September 28, 2024, after the Chief Security Officer of the library informed the Area Commander Metro and the Divisional Police Officer about the fatal attack. The police later removed Daule’s body and took it to Ijaye General Hospital’s mortuary.
The park’s management provided further clarification on the tragic event, stating that Daule had agreed to demonstrate the lion’s feeding routine to some guests who had arrived after the park’s closing hours. Feeling comfortable with the animal, Daule reportedly left the safety gate open, which allowed the lion to attack him during the feeding.
“To prevent further mutilation of the handler’s body, the lion was immediately shot and killed by park personnel,” the management explained. The park emphasized that the demonstration was outside the standard feeding procedure, which requires strict safety protocols.
An investigation into the incident is currently underway, with the police continuing their inquiry. The park’s management expressed deep regret over the loss and promised full cooperation with authorities to prevent future occurrences.
