Tinubu cancels Lagos events over stampedes in Abuja, Anambra

…expresses deep sorrow, calls for tighter crowd control measures

By Sodiq Adelakun

President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his scheduled events in Lagos over the tragic stampedes in Abuja and Anambra that claimed multiple lives on Saturday.

The President, who was set to spend the Christmas holidays in the state, expressed profound sorrow over the incidents that have sent shockwaves across the country.

Tinubu, in a statement on Saturday issued by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the deaths as a “deeply saddening loss.”

According to Onanuga, the President had been scheduled to attend a boat parade and various activities for the Boat Regatta, which was to take place at the waterfront of his residence in Ikoyi. However, following briefings on the devastating stampedes, he made the decision to cancel his participation.

The stampede in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, where reports indicate that at least 10 people lost their lives, with several others hospitalized.

Another deadly stampede unfolded in the Okija community of Anambra State, where up to 20 people perished during a rice distribution event. The tragedies occurred simultaneously, raising serious concerns over the safety of large public gatherings in the country.

In his statement, Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, urging local authorities to take immediate steps to enforce stricter crowd control measures to prevent further tragedies.

“It is with deep sorrow that I extend my sympathy to the families of the victims who lost their lives in these tragic events in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, ee cannot continue to tolerate lapses in operational safety, particularly during humanitarian events, where the well-being of citizens should be the priority,” said Tinubu.

Tinubu also pointed out the alarming similarities between the recent stampedes and a similar incident that occurred earlier in the week in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He emphasized that such incidents are preventable if proper protocols and safeguards are adhered to by event organizers.