President Bola Tinubu has canceled all official events in Lagos on Saturday to mourn the victims of recent stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State, according to a statement from his office.
The two incidents, which claimed many lives and left several others injured, occurred on the same day.
The stampede in Abuja took place at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama District during a palliative distribution event organized by the church to support the city’s poor residents. The exact number of casualties remains unknown as of the latest reports.
One of the events the president was scheduled to attend was the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, organized by the Lagos State government. Tinubu had planned to observe the boat parade and other activities from his residence on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive in Ikoyi. However, following updates on the tragedies, he withdrew from the event. Several dignitaries, including top Lagos State officials and traditional white cap chiefs, were already seated at the venue when the president canceled his appearance.
In his statement, Tinubu extended his condolences to the victims of the stampedes in Abuja and Anambra, urging local authorities to enforce stricter crowd control measures. He noted the disturbing similarities between these incidents and a tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, earlier this week, which resulted in the deaths of 35 minors.
The president emphasized that operational lapses by organizations involved in charitable and humanitarian activities should no longer be tolerated by local and state authorities. He expressed his hopes for the swift recovery of the injured and prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims’ souls.
Tinubu also conveyed his prayers for those grieving during the festive season and expressed his support for the organizers of the Boat Regatta, wishing them a successful and safe celebration.
“Dignitaries, including top officials of the 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,” Mr Onanuga wrote.
He continued, “While praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the innocent Nigerians who died in the stampedes, President Tinubu wished a quick recovery to the injured.
“He reiterated that these mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety.
“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 was quoted as saying.
