..TINUBU CANCELS SCHEDULED EVENTS IN LAGOS IN HONOUR OF VICTIMS OF STAMPEDES IN FCT, ANAMBRA

A tragic stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, claimed the lives of at least 10 people, including seven children, on the morning of Saturday, December 21.

The stampede occurred during the distribution of palliatives to residents from nearby settlements. Over 3,000 people reportedly gathered for the relief program, aimed at assisting struggling residents. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many attendees arriving as early as 4:00 AM to secure their share.

The tragedy unfolded between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM when the crowd surged forward, leading to the devastating loss of life.

Also, Vanguard reported that a devastating stampede occurred during Christmas rice distribution in Anambra. The stampede occurred at Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, where officials of the Obijackson Foundation were distributing Christmas rice to the needy. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many victims succumbing to injuries sustained during the stampede. According to reports, at least 17 people died in the stampede, while several others sustained injuries.

The victims, mostly women and youths, had gathered at the distribution center as early as 5 a.m., waiting for the distribution to begin. However, the crowd became uncontrollable when the distribution began, leading to the stampede. The dead bodies, including pregnant women, were rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, where they were confirmed dead.

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.

The two tragedies claimed many lives and left many others injured.

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.

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.

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.

‘‘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 said.

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.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
December 21, 2024