President Bola Tinubu has called off all official engagements in Lagos, including his planned attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, to mourn the victims of tragic stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.
The announcement was made on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and festivities from his residence on Queen’s Drive, Ikoyi, but canceled following briefings on the tragedies.
“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,” the President said in a statement.
Dignitaries, including Lagos State officials and traditional chiefs, were already in attendance when the President made his decision. Tinubu also urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The tragedies in Abuja and Anambra, which claimed many lives and injured others, come shortly after a stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State, where 35 children died. Tinubu expressed concern about the repeated lapses and called on event organizers to implement proper safeguards to avoid similar occurrences.
Praying for the repose of the deceased and a swift recovery for the injured, the President also wished the Lagos State government a successful and safe Boat Regatta, themed “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life.”
