A tragic incident occurred at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where a lion fatally attacked its handler, Babaji Daule. The 35-year-old, from Bauchi State, reportedly neglected to properly secure the locks and barricade of the lion’s enclosure before attempting to feed the animal. This error allowed the lion to escape, leading to a fatal attack that left Daule with severe injuries to his neck.
The incident, which happened early Saturday morning, was reported by the Chief Security Officer of OOPL around 7:40 a.m. Despite efforts to rescue him, Daule tragically lost his life, and his body was taken to the State Hospital mortuary in Ijaye, Abeokuta. The lion was shot during the rescue attempt to free the handler from its grip.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident, with spokesperson SP Omolola Odutola attributing the deadly attack to negligence in securing the lion’s enclosure. She explained that the lapse in safety protocols ultimately led to the handler’s untimely death.