President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended all official engagements in Lagos, including his planned attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, to mourn victims of the recent stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.
The incidents, which occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja and a community center in Okija, resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. Tinubu, who had planned to witness the boat parade from his Ikoyi residence, canceled his participation after being briefed on the tragic events.
Dignitaries, including Lagos State officials and traditional White Cap Chiefs, were already present at the regatta venue when the President’s withdrawal was announced. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and urged state and local authorities to adopt stricter crowd management measures to prevent future tragedies.
“These unfortunate incidents, similar to the recent stampede in Ibadan, underscore lapses in operational safety that must be addressed urgently by authorities and event planners,” the statement read.
The President emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols in event planning, describing the tragedies as preventable with proper precautions. He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and a quick recovery for the injured.
Despite the President’s absence, the Lagos Boat Regatta, themed “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” will proceed as scheduled. Tinubu commended the Lagos State Government and event organizers for their efforts while expressing hope for a successful and incident-free festival, even as the nation mourns.
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