- Tinubu wants organisers of similar programmes and “relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately”.
- The president mandated authorities not to tolerate operational lapses by organisations during charitable activities.
President Bola Tinubu has called off all official events in Lagos today as a mark of respect for the victims of the Abuja and Anambra stampedes.
Tragedy struck when a stampede occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, resulting in the loss of ten lives, including children.
Similarly, in Anambra, an unspecified number of residents of Okija community lost their lives in a stampede during a rice distribution event on Saturday morning.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said in a statement that President Tinubu was scheduled to attend the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta.
The president was set to watch the boat parade and other activities from his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi, but cancelled his appearance after being briefed on the tragedies.
Dignitaries, including top Lagos government officials and white cap chiefs, were already seated when the president cancelled his appearance.
President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and urged states to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.
Describing the incidents as “avoidable,” the president cancelled his events for the day to honour the victims.
The president noted the disturbing similarity between these incidents and the recent tragedy in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Tinubu emphasized that local and state authorities must no longer tolerate operational lapses by organizations involved in charitable activities.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the innocent lives lost and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
“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.
The president reiterated that such mishaps can be prevented if event planners follow necessary safety protocols.