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TINUBU CANCELS LAGOS EVENTS OVER STAMPEDE DEATHS AS IGP WARNS AGAINST UNORGANIZED DISTRIBUTION OF PALLIATIVES
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday announced the cancellation of all his official events in Lagos State, where he is spending the Christmas holidays, over the death of several Nigerians in stampedes in Abuja and Anambra State.
The two tragedies claimed many lives and left several others injured on Saturday.
According to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command, about ten dead bodies were recovered after a stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, while several persons were hospitalized.
Also, not less than 20 residents of the Okija community in Anambra State died in a stampede that occurred during an event organized for the distribution of rice.
Reacting, Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, sympathized with families of the victims.
According to Onanuga, 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, Lagos, but cancelled the event.
He said dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the state, were already seated at the venue 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.
“He 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.
“He said 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 statement added.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has warned against unorganized distribution of palliatives and relief items in the country during the festive period.
Egbetokun issued the warning while reacting to the recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Recall that a tragic incident had occurred in Ibadan on Wednesday, where a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the death of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured.
Also, not less than 20 residents of the Okija community in Anambra State lost their lives in a stampede on Saturday during an event organized to distribute rice to the less privileged.
An unspecified number of people died in a stampede that occurred during the distribution of rice and other food items at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in the Maitama area of Abuja, on Saturday.
The IGP emphasized the dangers posed to public safety during unorganized distribution of palliatives and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and NGOs.
He noted that such unorganized events could result in stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives.
The IGP ordered the commissioners of police in the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into the incidents for further legal actions.
He equally sympathized with the bereaved families and wished those injured quick recovery.
