A devastating incident occurred at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, resulting in the tragic death of 35-year-old zoo worker Babaji Daule. The Bauchi State native and trained lion handler was killed by a lion on Saturday.

According to the Ogun State Police Command’s spokesman, Omolola Odutola, “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.”

The incident occurred when Daule forgot 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.

The library’s management also released a statement, explaining that

“The incident occurred when some guests arrived after the park’s closing time. At their behest, the zookeeper agreed to demonstrate the feeding routine of the lion in its inner enclosure. 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.

The management added, “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.”

Daule’s body was removed and taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital.