President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his official events in Lagos today in honour of the stampede victims in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Anambra state.
10 people, including children, died in a stampede that occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, while no fewer than 20 residents of the Okija community in Anambra lost their lives in a stampede during an event for the distribution of rice on Saturday morning.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Saturday, said Tinubu cancelled his scheduled events despite the presence of dignitaries and top officials already at the venue of the event.
While commiserating with the victims of the unfortunate incidents in Anambra and the FCT, Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.
The statement added, “President Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi.
“Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the State, were already seated when the President cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.
“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.
“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.”
