Investigations have begun into the death of zookeeper Babaji Daule, who was killed by a lion at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

This was made known by the Ogun State police command’s public relations officer, Omolola Odutola, on Sunday, September 29, 2024.

It was discovered that the zookeeper forgot to secure the locks and barricade the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the wild animal.

The lion managed to escape from its cage and attacked the 35-year-old, causing fatal injuries to his neck that led to his death.

The victim’s remains have been taken to the State Hospital morgue in Ijaye, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The lion was shot in order to free the handler from the grip of the wild animal.

Odutola stated: “An investigation has commenced into the incident. The public will be informed of further findings.”

The management of the OOPL Wildlife Park has also released a statement indicating their ongoing investigations into the matter.

In a separate incident, a mother hippopotamus tragically killed Usman Maigadi, a 60-year-old guard, at Orchid Farm in Kebbi State.

Reports indicated that Maigadi was attacked while fishing in the Yauri River, as the animal perceived him to be a threat.