President Asíwájú Bọ́lá Ahmed Tinúbú – GCFR on Saturday announced the cancellation of all his official events in Lagos State, where he is spending the end of the year holidays, over the death of several Nigerians in stampedes in Abuja and Anambra State.
Earlier today, a tragic stampede occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, while another occurred in the Okija community, Anambra State, simultaneously during a rice distribution event.
Related || 20 feared dead in Okija Rice distribution stampede
Reacting, Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, sympathized with families of the victims.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, but cancelled the event.
Related || Stampede at Abuja Church leaves many feared dead
He said dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the state, were already seated at the venue when the President cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.
“Commiserating with the victims of the unfortunate incidents in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, President Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.
“He noted the disturbing resemblance between the mishaps at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community Centre in Okija, Anambra State, and the tragic incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, earlier this week.
“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 souls of the innocent Nigerians who died in the stampedes, President Tinubu wished a quick recovery to the injured.
“He reiterated that these mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety,” the statement added.
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