President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his official events in Lagos State, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta in honour of stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.
The two stampedes claimed many lives and left many others injured on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.
Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State Government and chiefs from the state, were already seated when the president cancelled his appearance following briefings on the stampedes.
Commiserating with the victims of the incidents, Tinubu, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.
10 die, others injured in Abuja food distribution stampede
The president also described the stampedes as disturbing, adding that they bore a distressing resemblance to the recent incident in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
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 Nigerians who died in the stampedes, Tinubu wished the injured quick recovery.
Tinubu reiterated that the mishaps were avoidable if event planners adhered 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,” Tinubu said.
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