A tragic incident occurred at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where a lion killed its handler, Babaji Daule. The 35-year-old was reportedly negligent in securing the lion’s enclosure before attempting to feed the animal.
According to a statement released by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, the attack took place on September 28, 2024, at around 7:40 AM. The Chief Security Officer of the library alerted the divisional police officer after the fatal attack.
Daule, a trained lion handler from Bauchi State, failed to properly lock and barricade the lion’s cage before feeding the animal.
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The lion escaped and attacked Daule, inflicting severe injuries to his neck. Emergency services were called, but the handler succumbed to his injuries. The police report confirmed that his body was later removed and taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital.
In response to the attack, authorities took immediate action by shooting the lion to release its grip on the victim. The incident has raised alarms about animal handling practices and safety measures in facilities housing wild animals.
This unfortunate event follows a similar incident earlier this year, where a veterinary technologist was killed by a lion at the Obafemi Awolowo University Zoo in Ile-Ife, Osun State, leading to calls for stricter safety regulations in wildlife management.
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As investigations into the latest incident continue, there are growing concerns about the adequacy of training and safety protocols for animal handlers, prompting discussions on the need for comprehensive safety measures in zoos and wildlife parks across Nigeria.