President Bola Tinubu on Saturday canceled all his official engagements in Lagos State, where he is spending the Christmas holidays, to mourn the victims of two tragic stampedes that claimed multiple lives in Abuja and Anambra State.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed that a stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, resulted in at least ten fatalities and several injuries, with the wounded rushed to hospitals for treatment.
Meanwhile, in the Okija community of Anambra State, a similar tragedy during a rice distribution event left at least 20 dead and others injured.
Reacting to the incidents, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the victims’ families.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the tragedies as avoidable and urged local and state authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures at events.
Tinubu, who was scheduled to watch the Lagos Boat Regatta from his residence on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive in Ikoyi, canceled the appearance after receiving briefings on the stampedes.
Dignitaries, including Lagos State government officials and traditional chiefs, were already seated at the waterfront venue when the announcement was made.
In his statement, Tinubu noted the alarming frequency of such incidents, drawing comparisons to another recent stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He called for event planners and organizers to implement stringent safety protocols and crowd management measures to prevent future occurrences.
The President also urged authorities and organizations involved in charitable activities to ensure proper operational standards and safeguards to protect attendees.
While offering prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased and speedy recovery for the injured, Tinubu reiterated his administration's commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of Nigerians during events.
The tragedies, he said, should serve as a wake-up call to improve planning and safety at public gatherings nationwide.