President Bola Tinubu has called off all his official engagements in Lagos, including his planned attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, to honor the victims of the tragic stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.
This decision was announced in a statement by Bayod Onanuga, the President’s aide.
The twin tragedies, which occurred within days, claimed multiple lives and left many injured. President Tinubu had been scheduled to watch the boat parade and other festivities from the waterfront of his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive residence in Ikoyi. However, following briefings on the incidents, he canceled his appearance despite dignitaries, including Lagos State officials and white cap chiefs, already being seated.
Expressing his condolences, President Tinubu urged state and local authorities to immediately enforce stricter crowd control measures. He pointed out the disturbing similarity between the incidents at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja, the community center in Okija, and the earlier stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He emphasized that operational lapses by organizations and corporate bodies during humanitarian events must no longer be tolerated. “These mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to safeguards and protocols to ensure safety,” the President noted.
President Tinubu also prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls and wished the injured a speedy recovery. “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,” he added.
Despite canceling his attendance, the President 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.