A tragic incident occurred at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) zoo in Abeokuta, Ogun State, when a lion fatally attacked a 35-year-old worker on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
The worker, identified as Michael Abraham, was carrying out his duties when the unfortunate incident took place.
According to reports, Abraham was inside the lion’s cage at the time of the attack, although the exact circumstances remain unclear.
The library management quickly alerted the police after the attack, and efforts to retrieve the victim’s body were met with caution, given the presence of the dangerous animal.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that officers from the Kemta division were promptly dispatched to the scene.
The police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, explained that zoo workers had been able to restrain the lion enough to allow officers to enter the cage and retrieve Abraham’s remains. The body was subsequently transferred to the State Hospital, Ijaiye, for further examination.
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Odutola also confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the tragedy, while ensuring that safety protocols are reviewed to prevent future occurrences.
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The OOPL, an institution set up by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, houses a zoo with various exotic animals. The zoo has since been temporarily closed following the incident, with management expressing deep condolences to Abraham’s family.
