Tinubu mourns victims of ‘Avoidable’ stampedes, cancels official events
President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his official engagements in Lagos, including his scheduled attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, in honour of the victims of stampedes in Abuja and Anambra State. The tragic incidents occurred during food distribution campaigns in the early hours of Saturday, leaving several people dead and many injured.
Describing the events as “avoidable,” President Tinubu expressed his grief over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the victims’ families. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the decision in a statement on Saturday, adding that Tinubu’s planned attendance at the Lagos Boat Regatta, which was set to take place at the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi, had been called off.
“Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs, were already seated when the President cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies,” Onanuga said.
READ ALSO: Stampede: Several killed, injured in Abuja, Anambra in rush to receive palliatives
The president urged organisers of similar programmes to enforce strict crowd control measures to prevent such disasters in the future. He emphasised the need for event planners to adhere to safety protocols to ensure the well-being of participants.
“These mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety,” the statement read.
President Tinubu also mandated authorities to address operational lapses by organisations during charitable activities, calling for accountability and stringent safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
In his message of condolence, the president said, “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 Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has also ordered an investigation into the incidents. Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi announced that commissioners of police in the affected states have been directed to probe the stampedes and ensure accountability.
The tragedies come just days after a similar stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, claimed the lives of at least 35 children and left several others injured.
President Tinubu’s decision to cancel his engagements underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for preventive measures to avert further tragedies during such events.
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