President Tinubu Cancels Official Engagements After Deadly Stampedes Left Many Dead In Abuja and Anambra

President Bola Tinubu has canceled all official engagements in Lagos, including his scheduled attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, following the devastating stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.

The tragedies, which occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja and a community centre in Okija, resulted in the loss of numerous lives and left many others injured.

According to a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and urged local and state authorities to enforce stricter crowd control measures to prevent similar occurrences.

“These incidents, reminiscent of the recent stampede in Ibadan, highlight operational lapses that must not be tolerated by authorities or event planners,” President Tinubu said.

The President called on event organizers to adhere to strict safety protocols, stressing that such tragedies are avoidable with proper planning.

The 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, themed “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” continues as planned, albeit under the shadow of national grief.

Dignitaries, including Lagos State officials and White Cap Chiefs, were already in attendance when the cancellation was announced.

The stampedes have sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater accountability, with many demanding improved safety measures at public events to prevent such tragedies in the future.