President Bola Tinubu has canceled all his planned Christmas events in Lagos State following tragic stampedes in Abuja and Anambra State, which claimed many lives and left several others injured.

The first stampede occurred at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, where 10 people lost their lives, and many were hospitalized. In a similar incident, at least 20 people died during a rice distribution event in Okija, Anambra State.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed his deep condolences to the victims’ families. He also called for immediate action to enforce strict crowd control measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Tinubu had planned to attend a boat parade and regatta near his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, where top government officials and traditional leaders were already gathered. However, he canceled his appearance upon hearing about the incidents.

The President pointed out the disturbing similarities between these recent tragedies and a previous stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State, urging event organizers and authorities to prioritize safety protocols.

While mourning the loss of lives, Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims and wished the injured a quick recovery. He emphasized that such incidents are preventable with proper planning and adherence to safety guidelines.

These unfortunate events highlight the need for better organization and crowd management to ensure public safety during gatherings.