A tragic incident occurred at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where a lion fatally attacked its handler, Babaji Daule. The 35-year-old was reportedly killed around 7:40 a.m. on Saturday while attempting to feed the lion.
Daule, a trained handler of the male lion at the park, allegedly failed to properly secure the locks and barricade of the animal’s enclosure, leading to the attack.
The Ogun State police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the event to reporters on Sunday. She explained that the lion inflicted severe injuries on Daule’s neck, ultimately causing his death. The lion was later shot to free the handler from its grip.
Odutola stated, “On the morning of September 28, 2024, the Chief Security Officer of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library reported the unfortunate death of a lion handler, Babaji Daule, who neglected to properly secure the lion’s enclosure before feeding the animal. This negligence allowed the lion to escape and attack him.”
Daule’s body has been taken to the Ijaye General Hospital mortuary in Abeokuta.