The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed a tragic incident at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library’s zoological garden in Abeokuta, where a male lion attacked and killed its handler.
According to Police Spokesperson Omolola Odutola, the incident occurred at approximately 7:40 p.m. on Saturday.
The command received a report from the Chief Security Officer of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, stating that a 35-year-old lion handler, Babaji Daule from Bauchi State, was fatally attacked by a male lion.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Daule neglected to secure the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal, allowing the lion to escape and attack him.
The police confirmed that the victim suffered fatal injuries to the neck and was pronounced dead at the scene.
To release the lion’s grip on the handler, security personnel were forced to shoot the animal.
The victim’s body has been taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital, Abeokuta.
The incident highlights the importance of adhering to safety protocols when handling wild animals.
“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.
“This negligence allowed the lion to escape and attack the handler, resulting in fatal injuries to the handler’s neck and eventual death,” she said.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
