President Bola Ahmed Tinubu canceled all his scheduled events in Lagos on Saturday, including his planned attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, to honor victims of two tragic stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State, that claimed numerous lives and left many others injured.
President Tinubu had been slated to watch the boat parade and other festivities of the Regatta from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi.
Dignitaries, including Lagos State government officials and traditional white cap chiefs, were already gathered for the event when the President canceled his appearance after receiving briefings on the tragedies.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families. He called on states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
President Tinubu described the stampedes, which occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community center in Okija, as deeply troubling, especially given their resemblance to a recent crowd-related tragedy in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The President stressed that local and state authorities must no longer tolerate operational lapses by organizations and corporate bodies involved in charitable and humanitarian activities. He urged event planners to adhere to necessary safety protocols to prevent avoidable mishaps.
“During this 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.
While praying for the peaceful repose of those who lost their lives and wishing the injured a speedy recovery, the President reiterated the importance of prioritizing safety at public events.
He also extended his best wishes to the Lagos State government and the organizers of the Boat Regatta, themed “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” for a successful and incident-free festival despite his absence.
