President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his official engagements in Lagos, including his planned attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, to honour the victims of the tragic stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.
The twin tragedies claimed several lives and left many injured, prompting the President to forgo the regatta, which he was set to watch from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, it was revealed that dignitaries, including top Lagos State officials and white cap chiefs, were already in attendance when the President decided to cancel his appearance after being briefed on the incidents.
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.
He noted that it was very disturbing that the events at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community Centre in Okija, Anambra State, bore a distressing resemblance to the recent incident in Ibadan, Oyo State.
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 innocent Nigerians who died in the stampede, 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 said.
The President wished the Lagos State government, organisers of the Boat Regatta, themed ”Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” a successful and hitch-free festival.
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