President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all official engagements in Lagos on Saturday following multiple stampedes during food distribution campaigns in Abuja and Anambra State that claimed several lives and left many injured.
The incidents, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, have been described as “avoidable” by the president, who chose to suspend his planned activities in honour of the victims.
“President Bola Tinubu 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,” Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesman, announced in a statement on Saturday afternoon.
The president was scheduled to watch the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his residence on Queen’s Drive, Ikoyi.
Dignitaries, including Lagos State officials and traditional white cap chiefs, were already seated when Tinubu cancelled his appearance after receiving briefings about the tragedies.
Tinubu expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, urging organisers of similar programmes and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures to prevent future occurrences.
“He reiterated that these mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety,” Onanuga said, adding that the president has mandated authorities to ensure there are no operational lapses in such charitable activities.
The president conveyed his sympathies, stating, “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.”
