Tinubu cancels yuletide events to honour victims of palliative distribution stampedes
Nigerian President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu cancelled all his official events in Lagos on Saturday in honour of the stampede victims in Abuja and Anambra State.
The Informant247 had reported that a stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, left 35 children dead, and many others were critically injured.
Meanwhile, 10 persons also lost their lives during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, where food items were being distributed to the vulnerable and elderly. Several others sustained injuries.
Similarly, a palliative distribution event organised by philanthropist Obi Jackson in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, ended in chaos, leaving three individuals dead and many others injured.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, president 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.
The statement reads, “Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the state, were already seated 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,” Mr Onanuga wrote.
He said the president 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.
READ ALSO: Stampede: Lagos govt calls for clearance before distribution of palliative to large crowd
Mr Onanuga quoted the president as saying 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 spokesperson wrote.
‘‘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,’’ President Tinubu was quoted as saying.
The president wished the Lagos State government, organisers of the Boat Regatta, themed ‘‘Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,’’ a successful and hitch-free festival.
