President Bola Tinubu has canceled all his official engagements scheduled for Thursday, December 21, in Lagos in a show of respect for the victims of two recent stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State. The tragic incidents, which occurred during food distribution events, have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries.
According to a statement from presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu was initially set to attend the Boat Regatta in Lagos and watch the boat parade from his Queen's Drive residence in Ikoyi. High-profile dignitaries, including senior officials from the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs, had already arrived for the event when the President made the decision to cancel his appearance after being briefed on the tragic events in Abuja and Anambra.
In his message of condolence, President Tinubu expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives in both stampedes, which occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community center in Okija, Anambra State. He called for urgent action, urging local and state authorities to implement stricter crowd control measures at public events.
President Tinubu noted that the incidents were eerily similar to the recent stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed the lives of 35 children during a Christmas funfair. He stressed that such tragedies were preventable if proper safety measures and protocols were followed by event organizers.
While mourning the loss of innocent lives, the President offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the victims and wished a swift recovery for those injured. He emphasized that these avoidable mishaps should serve as a wake-up call for stricter enforcement of safety standards at public gatherings, especially during charitable and humanitarian events.
“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 concluded.
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