Tragedy struck as a lion killed a 35-year-old zoo worker at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Babaji Daule.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident which occurred on Saturday.
The Bauch State-born lion handler was said to have forgotten to secure the locks and barricade the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal.
This reportedly allowed the lion to escape and attack the handler, resulting in injuries to his neck and eventual death
The victim’s body was said to have been removed and taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital, while the wild lion was shot to release its grip on the handler.
This comes days after a hippopotamus killed a 60-year-old fisherman, Malam Usman Maigadi, on Sunday at Yauri River, Kebbi State.
Maigadi, who worked as a guard at the Emir of Yauri’s Orchard Farm, was fishing when the animal attacked, likely in defense of its young.
The Chairman of Yauri Local Government, Alhaji Abubakar Shu’aibu, confirmed Maigadi’s burial.
He stated, “Maigadi has been buried according to Islamic rites in Yauri, after a funeral prayer.”
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Governor Nasir Idris extended condolences to the Yauri Emirate and Maigadi’s family.
“I want the emirate and members of the deceased family to take heart and accept the will of the Almighty in good faith.
“I pray to Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus,” the governor said.