President Bola Tinubu has canceled all official engagements in Lagos, including his planned attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, to honor the victims of recent stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State. The tragedies, which claimed multiple lives and left several others injured, prompted the President to suspend his activities after receiving briefings on the incidents.
President Tinubu, who was scheduled to watch the regatta from his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive residence in Ikoyi, expressed deep sorrow over the events, noting the disturbing pattern of crowd control failures that led to the fatalities.
In a statement issued by the State House, the President extended his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and the swift recovery of the injured. He urged state and local authorities to enforce stringent crowd management measures to prevent similar occurrences.
“These mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety,” President Tinubu stated.
The stampedes, which occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community center in Okija, Anambra, bear similarities to a recent tragic event in Ibadan, Oyo State. Tinubu emphasized that lapses in crowd management during charitable and humanitarian events should no longer be tolerated.
“During 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 said.
Despite his absence, Tinubu wished the Lagos State government and the regatta organizers a successful and hitch-free event, themed “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life.”
