A tragic incident unfolded at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as a lion killed a 35-year-old zoo worker on Saturday, September 28, 2024. The victim, identified as Babaji Daule, a trained lion handler from Bauchi State, was fatally attacked by the animal while attempting to feed it.
According to reports, Daule forgot to properly secure the locks and barricade the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage, allowing the lion to escape and attack him. The lion inflicted severe injuries on the handler, leading to his death.

Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Sunday. “At about 7:40 p.m. on September 28, 2024, a male lion handler, Babaji Daule, was killed by the lion after failing to secure the enclosure properly,” Odutola stated.

In an effort to free Daule from the lion’s grip, the wild animal was shot by zoo officials. Despite their attempts, Daule succumbed to fatal injuries, particularly to his neck.

The victim’s body was transported to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the fatal oversight. The zoo has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.