Lion Kills Zoo Keeper at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library

the Chief Security Officer of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library informed the divisional police officer of the development.

Abeokuta, Nigeria – A tragic incident occurred at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, when a lion fatally attacked its handler, Babaji Daule.

The incident, which happened in the early hours of Saturday, September 28, was confirmed by the Ogun State Police Command.

According to a report by YOUNEWS, the mishap occurred around 7:40 a.m. and was reported by the Chief Security Officer of the OOPL Zoological Garden. The victim, a 35-year-old trained lion handler from Bauchi State, reportedly failed to properly secure the locks and barricades of the lion’s enclosure before attempting to feed the animal.

The negligence allowed the lion to escape from its cage and launch an attack, inflicting fatal injuries on the handler’s neck. Efforts to subdue the animal were unsuccessful, and the lion had to be shot to release its grip on the handler.

The victim’s body was later taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital. The Ogun State Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident, stating that it was a case of human error and carelessness on the part of the handler.

“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., the Chief Security Officer of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library informed the divisional police officer that a 35-year-old man named Babaji Daule, a trained handler of a male lion at the Zoological Garden in OOPL Abeokuta, tragically lost his life,” the statement read.

The spokesperson further noted that the handler’s negligence in not securing the locks and barricades of the lion’s enclosure before approaching it led to the unfortunate incident.

The OOPL, established as a legacy project by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former Nigerian Head of State and twice-elected President, has expressed shock over the tragic incident and assured that steps will be taken to enhance safety measures at the zoo.