President Bola Tinubu has canceled his official events in Lagos owing to multiple stampedes during food distribution campaigns in Abuja and Anambra State.
Several persons died, and many others were wounded during the stampedes that happened in the early hours of Saturday.
The President described the incidents as avoidable, while he canceled his official events in Lagos, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta in honor of the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.
Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the State, were already seated when the President canceled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.
The president mandated authorities not to tolerate operational lapses by organizations during charitable activities.
MEANWHILE, The Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered an investigation into the stampedes.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP has mandated the commissioners of police in the affected states to probe the incidents.
The stampedes happened a few days after a similar incident during a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State. That one claimed about 35 lives, leaving scores injured.
