President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has canceled all official engagements in Lagos, including his scheduled attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, to honor the victims of recent stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.
The tragedies, which occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community center in Okija, claimed multiple lives and left several others injured.
President Tinubu was set to witness the boat parade and festivities at the Regatta from his residence on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi. However, following a briefing on the incidents, he opted to cancel his appearance. Attendees, including Lagos State government officials and traditional white cap chiefs, were informed of the decision on-site.
In a statement, Special Adviser to the President Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery. He called on state and local authorities to implement strict crowd control measures to prevent future tragedies, emphasizing the need for operational diligence during public events.
“These mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety,” the President stated.
He also noted the unsettling similarities between the incidents in Abuja, Anambra, and a previous stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State, earlier in the week. President Tinubu urged stakeholders to prioritize public safety during charitable and humanitarian initiatives, stressing that operational lapses should no longer be tolerated.
“As we celebrate this season of joy, we mourn with citizens grieving the loss of their loved ones. Our prayers for divine comfort and healing are with them,” Tinubu said.
The President concluded by wishing the Lagos State government and Regatta organizers a successful and incident-free festival despite his absence.
