Tragic Lion Attack at Ogun State Wildlife Park Claims Life of 35-Year-Old Zoo Worker

Lion Attack Claims Life of Zoo Worker at Wildlife Park

A tragic incident unfolded at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where a lion fatally attacked a 35-year-old zoo worker on Saturday, September 28, 2024. The victim, identified as Babaji Daule, hailed from Bauchi State and was a trained lion handler at the park.

Reports indicate that the unfortunate event transpired when Babaji Daule approached the lion’s enclosure to feed the animal. However, it appears he neglected to properly secure the locks and barricades surrounding the cage. This oversight proved fatal, as the lion managed to escape and launched a brutal attack on the handler.

The Ogun State Police Command's spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Sunday. She detailed that the lion was shot to free its grip on the handler following the attack.

"The Area Commander Metro has reported a tragic incident which occurred on the 28th of Sept, 2024 at about 1940hrs, at OOPL zoo that one BABAJI DAULE 'M' 35 years a trained handler of a male lion, got killed by the lion,” Odutola stated.

She further elaborated on the circumstances leading to the attack, emphasizing the handler’s negligence: “It was discovered that the lion handler carelessly neglected to secure the locks and barricade the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal."

The outcome was devastating, resulting in fatal injuries to Babaji's neck and his eventual death. The victim's body was subsequently removed and transported to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital. Meanwhile, the lion was shot to ensure safety and end the immediate threat posed by the animal.