35-Year-Old Worker killed by Lion at Obasanjo’s Library

35-Year-Old Worker killed by Lion at Obasanjo’s Library

The Nigeria Police Force, Ogun State Command, has confirmed on Sunday that Babaji Daule, a 35-year-old zoo worker at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, was killed by a lion on Saturday.

Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola reported that the incident occurred when Daule, originally from Bauchi State, failed to secure the locks and barricade of the lion’s enclosure before attempting to feed the animal.

This negligence allowed the lion to escape and attack him, resulting in severe injuries to his neck and ultimately his death.

Daule’s body has been taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital, while the lion was shot to free its grip on the handler.

Confirming the incident, the police spokesperson said: “A deadly incident involving a wild animal attack has been reported by the Area Commander Metro on September 28, 2024, at about 7:40 hrs by the Chief Security Officer of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, who informed the Divisional Police Officer that a 35-year-old man named Babaji Daule from Bauchi State, who is a trained handler of a male lion at the Zoological Garden in OOPL Abeokuta, tragically lost his life.

“It was discovered that the lion handler carelessly neglected to secure the locks and barricade the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal.

“This negligence allowed the lion to escape and attack the handler, resulting in fatal injuries to the handler’s neck and eventual death.”

In a statement on Sunday, the park management addressed the incident, explaining that it happened when some guests arrived after the park had closed.

At their request, the zookeeper agreed to demonstrate the lion’s feeding routine in its inner enclosure.

The park management added that: “The zookeeper, feeling comfortable with the animal, left the safety gate open and proceeded to feed the lion. He was attacked and killed on the spot.

“To prevent further mutilation of the body, the animal was put down immediately by personnel of the park.

“It is important to state that this activity fell completely outside the standard feeding routine of the park.

“Investigations have begun, and the matter has since been reported to the police for their investigation.”