A tragic incident unfolded at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, as a lion at the Zoological Garden fatally attacked its handler, Babaji Daule, on the morning of September 28, 2024. The handler, a 35-year-old man from Bauchi State, tragically lost his life after the lion escaped its enclosure due to negligence.
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The OOPL, a renowned legacy of former Nigerian Head of State and twice-elected President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, houses a zoological garden that features a variety of wildlife, including lions. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, was first reported by the Chief Security Officer of the OOPL at around 7:40 am.
According to reports, Daule, an experienced and trained handler, failed to secure the locks and barricade of the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal. This oversight allowed the lion to escape and launch a vicious attack. The lion targeted Daule’s neck, delivering fatal injuries that resulted in his immediate death. Despite efforts to save him, the attack was fatal, and the handler’s body was later transported to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital in Abeokuta.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that the lion was shot in order to release its grip on the handler, ending the violent encounter. The Ogun State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident, stating, "A deadly incident involving a wild animal attack has been reported by the Area Commander Metro. The Chief Security Officer of OOPL informed the divisional police officer that the lion handler carelessly neglected to secure the locks and barricade of the lion's enclosure, leading to the attack and the unfortunate loss of life."
This tragic event highlights the inherent dangers faced by those working closely with wild animals, even when precautions are taken. In this case, a momentary lapse in safety protocols resulted in the loss of a dedicated handler’s life. The zoo, which attracts numerous visitors due to its rich collection of wildlife, remains under scrutiny as investigations continue into the exact circumstances of the attack.
This incident is reminiscent of a similar tragedy that occurred earlier this year. In mid-February, a zookeeper at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, was killed by a lion he had been tending for nearly a decade. The handler, Olabode Olawuyi, was feeding the lions when one of them attacked and fatally wounded him before his colleagues could intervene.
Both incidents raise concerns about the handling and safety protocols surrounding wild animals in captivity in Nigeria. Despite years of experience, handlers face extreme risks, and any breach in safety measures can lead to fatal consequences. Authorities are now reviewing the situation at OOPL, with some speculating that additional measures may be introduced to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, with its symbolic importance as a center of education, tourism, and legacy, has now been thrust into the limelight for this unfortunate incident. The library, which was built to honor Chief Obasanjo’s decades-long political career and contributions to Nigeria, will now have to reckon with the ramifications of this fatal accident at its zoological garden.
As investigations continue, the Ogun State Government is expected to release more details, and the zoological garden will likely face intense scrutiny regarding its safety protocols. Meanwhile, the family of Babaji Daule mourns the loss of their beloved, whose work with wildlife tragically ended in such a devastating way.
