President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his official events in Lagos today, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta in honour of the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.
NewsBand reported that a stampede at a children’s Christmas party on December 18, 2024, resulted in the death of at least 35 children with many others critically injured in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Also on Saturday, December 21, 2024, another stampede occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, during the distribution of food items to the vulnerable and elderly individuals.
The incident led to the death of 10 individuals, leaving many others injured.
A similar incident was also recorded in Okija, Ihiala Local Government, Anambra State on Saturday, at a palliative distribution set up by a philanthropist identified as Obi Jackson, which led to the death of several people.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Oyinkan Abayomi 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.
While commiserating with the victims of the unfortunate incidents in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, President Tinubu in a statement signed by his spokesman, Chief Bayo Onanuga, urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.
He noted the disturbing resemblance between the mishaps at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community Centre in Okija, Anambra State, and the tragic incident in Ibadan, Oyo State earlier this week.
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 the souls of the innocent Nigerians who died in the stampedes, Mr. 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.
However, 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.