President Bola Tinubu has canceled all official engagements in Lagos following multiple stampedes at food distribution campaigns in Abuja and Anambra State, which left several people dead and many others injured.
The tragic incidents, described as “avoidable” by the President, occurred in the early hours of Saturday, prompting nationwide shock and mourning.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed his condolences and pledged to prioritize measures that prevent such disasters in the future.
“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,” Onanuga stated.
Tinubu had been scheduled to attend the Lagos Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi, alongside top Lagos State officials and traditional leaders.
However, the President opted to forego the event after receiving briefings on the tragedies.
The President called on event organizers and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures, emphasizing that operational lapses during charitable activities will no longer be tolerated.
“These mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety,” Onanuga quoted Tinubu as saying. “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.”
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered an investigation into the incidents.
Commissioners of police in the affected states have been tasked with probing the events, according to NPF spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi.
The stampedes in Abuja and Anambra come just days after a similar tragedy in Ibadan, Oyo State, where 35 lives were lost during a funfair, further underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures at public gatherings.