The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 35-year-old zoo worker, Babaji Daule, who was killed by a lion on Saturday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta. The tragic incident occurred after the lion handler reportedly failed to properly secure the animal’s enclosure before attempting to feed it.
Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola disclosed the details in a statement issued on Sunday. According to the statement, Daule, a Bauchi State native and trained lion handler, neglected to lock the barricade of the lion’s cage, allowing the animal to escape and attack him. The lion inflicted severe injuries on the handler’s neck, leading to his death.
The police reported that the victim’s body was later taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital. The lion was shot by park personnel to release its grip on Daule and prevent further harm.
The police spokesperson confirmed, “A deadly incident involving a wild animal attack was reported by the Area Commander Metro on September 28, 2024, at about 7:40 a.m., when the Chief Security Officer of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library informed the Divisional Police Officer that Babaji Daule, a trained lion handler at the Zoological Garden, tragically lost his life. The incident was caused by negligence, as the lion handler failed to secure the locks of the enclosure.”
In a separate statement, the park’s management explained that the incident occurred when guests arrived after the park’s closing hours and requested a demonstration of the lion feeding routine. The zookeeper, feeling confident with the animal, left the safety gate open while feeding the lion in its inner enclosure, which resulted in the fatal attack.
“The zookeeper was attacked and killed on the spot. To prevent further mutilation, the lion was put down by park personnel,” the park’s statement read. The management stressed that the feeding demonstration fell outside the standard park routine, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing. The matter has been reported to the police for further inquiry.
