President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampedes that occurred in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State, leading to the loss of many lives and injuries.
In response, he cancelled all official engagements in Lagos, including his appearance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, which was scheduled to take place at his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi.
A statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that dignitaries, including Lagos State government officials and white cap chiefs, were already in attendance when the President decided to cancel his participation after receiving updates on the tragic events.
In his message of condolence, President Tinubu urged local and state authorities to adopt stricter crowd control measures immediately.
He expressed concern that the stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and the incident at a community center in Okija, mirrored similar tragedies like the one recently in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“These incidents could have been avoided had proper safety protocols been followed by event organizers,” Tinubu said. He also offered his prayers for the repose of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.
He further emphasized that charitable and humanitarian organizations must adhere to safety guidelines, especially during such high-attendance events, to prevent future occurrences.
As part of his commemoration of the Lagos Boat Regatta theme “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life”, the President hoped that the event would proceed smoothly and safely, despite the cancellations.
