Tinubu cancels events to honour victims of Abuja, Anambra stampedes

The two tragedies claimed many lives and left many others injured.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement, said President 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.

Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the state, were already seated on Saturday 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 stampedes 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.

President Tinubu therefore 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 the injured quick recovery.

He reiterated that these incidents 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,’’ President Tinubu said.