President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cancelled all his official events in Lagos in honour of victims of the stampede that occurred in Abuja and Anambra state.
Gatekeepers News reports that this was announced in a statement released by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive residence in Ikoyi.
Dignitaries including top officials of Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the State were already seated when the President cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.
Commiserating with the victims of the unfortunate incidents in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, President Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.
He noted the disturbing resemblance between the mishaps at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community Centre in Okija, Anambra State, and the tragic incident in Ibadan, Oyo State earlier this week.
He said local and state authorities should no longer tolerate operational lapses by organisations and corporate bodies involved in charitable and humanitarian activities.
While praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the innocent Nigerians who died in the stampedes, the president wished a quick recovery to the injured.
Tinubu reiterated that these mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety.
He said, “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.”
The President wished Lagos State government, organisers of the Boat Regatta, themed ‘‘Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,’’ a successful and hitch-free festival.
At least ten people including children died in a stampede that occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja today, 21 December 2024.
An unconfirmed number of residents of Okija community in Anambra also died in a stampede during an event for the distribution of rice the same day.
