A tragic incident occurred at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, Ogun State, when a lion killed its handler, Babaji Daule.
The incident, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, September 28, 2024, has sent shockwaves through the community.
Daule, a 35-year-old trained lion handler from Bauchi State, was attacked while attempting to feed the lion. Reports indicate that the handler failed to properly secure the locks and barricades of the lion’s enclosure, allowing the animal to escape.
The lion subsequently attacked Daule, inflicting fatal injuries to his neck. Despite efforts to save him, he died at the scene.
The Chief Security Officer of the OOPL Wildlife Park reported the tragic event to the police at approximately 7:40 a.m. The lion had to be shot to release its grip on the handler, after which Daule’s body was taken to the State Hospital mortuary in Ijaye, Abeokuta.
The Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident, stating, “It was discovered that the lion handler carelessly neglected to secure the locks and barricade of the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal.”
The police are investigating the matter to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
