In a solemn and unexpected move, President Bola Tinubu has called off all his scheduled events in Lagos for Saturday, including his highly anticipated appearance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta.
This decision comes after reports of devastating stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State, which have left many dead and others severely injured.
The Boat Regatta, a major annual event, was set to showcase vibrant cultural displays, and dignitaries, including top Lagos State officials and respected white cap chiefs, had gathered at the venue in anticipation of the President’s arrival.
However, as briefings on the tragic incidents reached his team, the President chose to cancel his appearance. His action came as a gesture of respect for the lives lost in both tragedies and as a statement on the importance of community safety.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in Abuja and Anambra,” President Tinubu said. “These tragedies have left a dark shadow on what should have been a season of joy.”
Tinubu extended his condolences to the victims’ families, emphasising the emotional weight of such losses, especially during the festive season. He urged local authorities to tighten regulations around crowd control, stressing that events must prioritise safety to avoid such disasters in the future.
The President’s response was a direct call for accountability, as he reflected on how recent tragedies had a haunting similarity to an earlier incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, which also saw fatal crowd surges at public events.
“It is disturbing to see a pattern emerging in these incidents,” Tinubu remarked. “The loss of innocent lives in these avoidable tragedies must prompt urgent reform in how we manage large gatherings.”
The stampede in Abuja occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, where many people had gathered for a religious event. Meanwhile, in Okija, Anambra State, the tragedy took place at a community centre, once again highlighting the dangers of poor crowd management. Both events left many injured, with reports of victims struggling to escape overcrowded spaces.
The President condemned the operational lapses that had led to these incidents, calling for local and state authorities to be more proactive in ensuring safety. He stated that organisations and corporate bodies involved in organising such events should be held accountable for ensuring safety protocols were in place.
“These incidents could have been prevented if proper crowd control measures had been implemented,” he said. “It is time for organisers to take full responsibility for the safety of those they invite to their events.”
As a mark of respect, Tinubu also extended his wishes to the organisers of the Lagos Boat Regatta, themed “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life.” Despite his absence, the President expressed his hopes that the event would continue smoothly and without incident.
“We must remember that while we are mourning today, we also have a responsibility to celebrate our culture and heritage safely,” Tinubu concluded. “May the organisers proceed with caution, ensuring a successful and secure event for all.”
In a brief statement, the Lagos State government expressed gratitude for the President’s decision to show solidarity with the victims of the stampedes. The government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening safety measures for future events, emphasising that this tragic reminder would prompt a review of crowd control strategies.
As the news of the stampedes continues to spread across the country, Nigerians have expressed shock and sorrow at the scale of the losses. Social media has been flooded with tributes to the victims, with many people calling for immediate reforms to prevent such disasters in the future.
The tragedies in Abuja and Anambra have sparked a wider conversation about the responsibility of event organisers and the need for effective regulations to ensure public safety.
The President’s decision to cancel his events in Lagos underscores the gravity of the situation. It is clear that, in this moment of collective grief, safety and solidarity have taken precedence over public celebrations.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” President Tinubu said in his closing remarks. “Let us all be vigilant, for we owe it to the lives lost to learn from this tragedy and prevent future ones.”
