President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cancelled all official engagements in Lagos, including his scheduled attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, to honour the victims of recent stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State. The two tragic incidents claimed numerous lives and left many injured.
The announcement was made in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
President Tinubu had planned to watch the boat parade and festivities from the waterfront of his residence on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi. However, following briefings on the tragedies, he cancelled his appearance.
Dignitaries, including senior Lagos State officials and traditional white cap chiefs, were already seated at the event on Saturday when the President’s decision was conveyed.
In his statement, President Tinubu expressed condolences to the victims of the stampedes at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community centre in Okija, Anambra State. He noted the similarities with an earlier incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, and called for urgent action to prevent such occurrences.
President Tinubu urged local and state authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures and hold organisations and corporate bodies involved in charitable and humanitarian activities accountable for operational lapses.
Praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and the speedy recovery of the injured, the President emphasised the importance of adhering to safety protocols to avoid similar tragedies.
“In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with fellow citizens mourning the painful losses of their loved ones. Our prayers of divine comfort and healing are with them,” President Tinubu said.