President Bola Tinubu canceled his Lagos events, including the 2024 Boat Regatta, to mourn victims of recent stampedes in Abuja and Okija. He urged improved crowd control measures, offered condolences to affected families, and emphasized safety at public gatherings to prevent future tragedies.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has canceled his Lagos engagements, including attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, to honor the victims of recent stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State. These tragic incidents claimed several lives and left many others injured.
The President was scheduled to witness the regatta’s iconic boat parade at the Ikoyi waterfront, alongside Lagos State dignitaries and traditional chiefs. However, after receiving briefings about the stampedes, he withdrew from the festivities.
In a statement, Tinubu conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the need for better crowd management at public gatherings. He condemned the incidents, which occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja’s Maitama area and a community event in Okija, highlighting their similarity to a recent tragedy in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The President called on local and state authorities to enforce stricter safety protocols at public events to prevent such occurrences in the future. He offered prayers for the bereaved families and the swift recovery of the injured.
While mourning the victims, Tinubu extended his best wishes to Lagos State and the regatta organizers, expressing hope for a secure and successful event despite the somber atmosphere.
