Abuja, Anambra stampede fatalities: Pres. Tinubu cancels official engagements, mourns

President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his official events in Lagos as a mark of respect for the victims of the devastating stampedes that occurred during food distribution campaigns in Abuja and Anambra State.

The tragic incidents, which happened on Saturday morning, resulted in the loss of several lives and left many others injured.

According to reports, at least 10 people died and eight others were injured in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, during a food distribution event for vulnerable and elderly individuals.

Similarly, multiple people were fatally wounded in a stampede in Anambra State, where a philanthropist was distributing palliatives to the community.

In response to these incidents, President Tinubu has called for stricter crowd control measures to be implemented across all states.

He emphasized that local and state authorities must address operational lapses by organizations conducting charitable and humanitarian activities to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

Describing the incidents as “avoidable,” the president cancelled his outings for the day in honour of the victims of the stampedes.

“President Bola Tinubu cancelled all his official events in Lagos today, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta in honour of the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said in a statement on Saturday hours after the incidents which have left the nation in shock.

Onanuga said Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi.

“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,” he said.

“He reiterated that these mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety,” the presidential spokesman said, passing his principal’s condolence to the victims of the incidents.

”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,”i Tinubu said.