President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his official events in Lagos on Saturday, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta in honour of the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra.
The two tragedies claimed many lives and left many others injured.
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, Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.
Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos state government and chiefs from the state, were already seated when the president cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.
Commiserating with the victims of the incidents in Anambra and the FCT, Mr Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.
He said that it was very disturbing that the events at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community Centre in Okija, Anambra.
Mr Tinubu said the two tragic incidents 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 the innocent Nigerians who died in the stampede, Mr Tinubu wished the injured quick recovery.
He reiterated that the mishaps were avoidable if event planners adhered 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,” Tinubu said.
He wished the Lagos state government, organisers of the boat regatta, themed ”Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life”, a hitch-free festival.
(NAN)
