Tinubu cancels Lagos events to honour victims of Abuja, Anambra stampedes
President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his official events in Lagos to honour victims of stampedes in Abuja and Anambra State.
At least 17 persons died, while others sustained injuries following a stampede during the distribution of rice by officials of the Obijackson Foundation in Okija, Ihiala local government area of Anambra State on Saturday.
The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, said President Tinubu was scheduled to watch a boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in the Ikoyi area of the state.
Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and chiefs from the state, were already seated when the president cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.
Tinubu, who commiserated with the victims of the incidents in Anambra and Abuja, urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.
He said the two tragic incidents bore a distressing resemblance to the recent incident in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with fellow citizens mourning the painful losses of their loved ones. Our prayers of divine comfort and healing are with them,” the president stated.
