On Saturday, December 21, President Bola Tinubu announced the cancellation of all his official engagements in Lagos State, where he is spending the Christmas holidays, following the tragic deaths of several Nigerians in stampedes in Abuja and Anambra State.
We had earlier reported how the two tragedies claimed many lives and left several others injured on Saturday.
According to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command, about ten dead bodies were recovered after a stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, while several persons were hospitalized.
Also, not less than 20 residents of the Okija community in Anambra State died in a stampede that occurred during an event organized for the distribution of rice.
Reacting, Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, sympathized with families of the victims.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, but cancelled the event.
He said dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the state, were already seated at the venue when the President cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.
“Commiserating with the victims of the unfortunate incidents in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, President Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.
“He noted the disturbing resemblance between the mishaps at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community Centre in Okija, Anambra State, and the tragic incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, earlier this week.
“He said local and state authorities should no longer tolerate operational lapses by organisations and corporate bodies involved in charitable and humanitarian activities.
“While praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the innocent Nigerians who died in the stampedes, President Tinubu wished a quick recovery to the injured.
“He reiterated that these mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety,” the statement added.
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