President Bola Tinubu on Saturday canceled all official engagements in Lagos, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, to honor the victims of the stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.
The tragic incidents claimed several lives and left many others injured.
President Tinubu had been scheduled to watch the boat parade and other festivities of the regatta from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi. However, dignitaries, including senior Lagos State government officials and white cap chiefs, were informed of the cancellation following briefings on the tragedies.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed his condolences to the victims and their families. He urged state governments and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“It is deeply disturbing that the events at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and the community center in Okija, Anambra State, resemble the recent tragedy in Ibadan, Oyo State,” the statement read.
President Tinubu emphasized that local and state authorities must no longer tolerate lapses in operational safety by organizations and corporate bodies involved in charitable or humanitarian activities.
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While praying for the peaceful repose of the victims, the President wished the injured a swift recovery. He reiterated the need for event organizers to adhere to essential safety protocols to prevent such mishaps, noting that these tragedies are avoidable with proper planning and safeguards.
“In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with our fellow citizens mourning the painful loss of their loved ones. Our prayers for divine comfort and healing are with them,” President Tinubu said.
The President also wished the Lagos State government and the organizers of the Lagos Boat Regatta, themed “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” a successful and incident-free festival.
