In a heartfelt gesture, President Bola Tinubu has canceled all his official events in Lagos today to honor the victims of recent stampedes in Abuja and Anambra State. The tragic incidents claimed the lives of ten people, including children, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and an unconfirmed number of residents in Okija, Anambra, during a rice distribution event.
Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, stated that one of Tinubu’s planned outings included attending the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta. Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos government and white cap chiefs, were already seated when the president canceled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.
President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the victims and urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures. He emphasized the need for local and state authorities to prevent operational lapses by organizations involved in charitable activities. The president prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and wished a quick recovery to the injured, reiterating that such mishaps are avoidable with proper event planning and safety protocols.
