Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has joined other prominent voices in mourning the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who passed away after a brief illness at the age of 56. In a statement on Wednesday, his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, conveyed the governor’s heartfelt condolences, describing General Lagbaja’s death as a monumental loss to Nigeria.
“The death of Gen. Lagbaja is a monumental loss to the nation,” the governor said. “He was a dedicated soldier, a committed officer, and a tested general who fought many battles to defend the territorial integrity of the country.” Governor Oyebanji noted that Lagbaja committed his life to the service of Nigeria, serving in numerous military formations across the country and distinguishing himself in key security roles.
Reflecting on General Lagbaja’s role in the fight against insurgency, Oyebanji highlighted his achievements as the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole in the Northeast, where he utilised his skills and experience to tackle terrorist threats. “History would always be kind to Gen. Lagbaja in the fight against insurgency,” he stated, pointing to his leadership role in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF), where he commanded troops from countries around the Lake Chad Basin.
Governor Oyebanji further praised Lagbaja’s industry and commitment, which led to his recent appointment as Chief of Army Staff. “Although his tenure was brief, it was remarkable, especially in the deployment of technology in soldiering,” he remarked. Recalling personal encounters with the late COAS, Oyebanji acknowledged Lagbaja’s swift response to security challenges in Ekiti State, crediting him with fostering the current peaceful atmosphere following incidents involving traditional rulers and schoolchildren.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, also expressed sorrow over General Lagbaja’s passing on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). In a statement released by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, General Musa conveyed his condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagbaja’s family, and the nation.
“General Lagbaja was a courageous, hard-working, reliable, loyal, and dedicated service chief whose tireless efforts and unflinching commitment to the security and well-being of the nation were unparalleled,” the CDS stated, adding, “His legacy of exceptional service and loyalty leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army, the AFN, and the national defence security landscape.”
The CDS further highlighted Lagbaja’s instrumental role in several military operations across the country, including Operations Forest Sanitation in Kaduna and Niger States, Lafiya Dole and Hadin Kai in Borno, Zaki in Benue, and Udoka in the Southeast. His brief 16-month tenure as Chief of Army Staff saw the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing, underscoring his forward-thinking approach to Nigeria’s security needs.
The CDS concluded by praying for comfort for Lagbaja’s wife, Mrs Maria Lagbaja, and his family during this period of immense grief, emphasising that the Armed Forces and the nation would deeply feel the void left by his departure.
In his closing remarks, Governor Oyebanji offered his condolences to Lagbaja’s family, President Tinubu, the Service Chiefs, and the people of Osun State, where Lagbaja hailed from. “This loss is deeply felt not only in Osun but across the entire nation,” he added.
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