Nigerian president cancels scheduled events to honor victims of stampedes in two states

In a profound show of empathy, President Bola Tinubu cancelled all his scheduled events in Lagos today, including his much-anticipated appearance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, to honor the victims of the stampedes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Okija, Anambra State.

The tragic incidents, which claimed numerous lives and left several others injured, prompted the President to make the decision to forgo his participation in the festivities.

Tinubu had been scheduled to observe the boat parade and other activities of the regatta from his residence in Ikoyi, where dignitaries and top officials from Lagos State had already gathered. However, following briefings on the tragic events, he chose to prioritize the commemoration of the victims.

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In his statement, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow for those affected by the stampedes, offering his condolences to the families of the deceased. He also extended his wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. “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 remarked.

President Tinubu also urged state governments and relevant authorities to implement stricter crowd control measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

He pointed out the disturbing similarities between the recent incidents at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community center in Okija, Anambra, with a tragic stampede that occurred earlier this week in Ibadan, Oyo State. The President called for an end to operational lapses by organizations and corporate bodies involved in humanitarian activities.

He emphasized that these unfortunate events are preventable if organizers adhere to proper safety protocols and precautions before and after such events. “These mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety,” he stated.

While cancelling his appearance at the Boat Regatta, President Tinubu extended his best wishes for the success of the event, which was themed “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” and expressed hope for a smooth and incident-free festival.