“Unfortunately, the end came suddenly, and we surrendered to the will of the Almighty creator.
“I commiserate with the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, my people of Ilobu and the great Lagbaja family. “On behalf of the people and Government of Osun State, we extend commiseration to Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and the two children,” he said. Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, said the deceased General would be missed for his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian Army. “On behalf of the government and good people of Delta State, I commiserate with the family of Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, the departed Chief of Army Staff. My condolences also go to the Nigeria Army and President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“The late Lagbaja was an outstanding officer, whose selfless and immense contributions to the country will forever be cherished.“I recall with relish my engagements with the late Chief of Army Staff during the Okuama tragedy. He came across as a deep thinker, brilliant strategist, and great patriot. His calm disposition in the heat of the crisis was a great source of inspiration and assurance. “May God grant his soul eternal repose,” Oborevwori added.Reacting, Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, said the death was a terrible and sad development.
“The death is unfortunate, especially now that the military expertise of General Lagbaja is needed. He described the late COAS as a dedicated worker who gave himself to the duty at hand. He said General Lagbaja died in active service. A very principled man, Dr. Kefas, said Lagbaja remains a model of discipline, honesty and transparency.“The late Lagbaja was an encyclopaedia of military knowledge. He further noted that, in a very short time, General Lagbaja was able to strengthen professionalism in the operation of the military.
“Dr Kefas condoles with the immediate family of the late COAS, the military establishment and the country in general.”On his part, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, said the late Army chief throughout his career, demonstrated courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to safeguarding the Nation
“It is sad that the nation mourns the loss of a true patriot and leader whose service and dedication to the Armed Forces and to the protection of our homeland remain immeasurable especially in the wake of terrorism, banditry and armed conflict in some parts of the country.” According to the Governor, the vision and leadership of Lt Gen Lagbaja strengthened the Nigerian military and inspired countless men and women to serve with honor and integrity. While consoling President Bola Tinubu over the death of the late Army Chief, Nwifuru said “the legacy of service which characterised the eventful tenure of the late COAS will endure in the hearts of those who knew him, and his sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
•Courageous, loyal, dedicated officer – CDS
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, in a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Tukur Gusau, described the late army chief as 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. “Therefore, his passing is a tremendous loss, not only to his family, the Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), but also to the entire nation and humanity.
“Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja’s legacy of exceptional service and loyalty leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army, the AFN and the national defence security landscape,’’ he said. The CDS said Lagbaja demonstrated exemplary leadership, spearheading the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and playing instrumental roles in multiple security operations across the country.
He said that late COAS made tremendous contributions to operations such as Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States, as well as Lafiya Dole, Zaman Lafiya and Hadin Kai in Borno. Other operations, according to him, include Zaki in Benue and UDOKA in the South East, among others.“His contributions to these operations reflect his relentless dedication to ensuring a safer and more secure Nigeria,’’ he added. Musa prayed for Almighty God to grant strength and comfort to his beloved wife, Mrs Mariya Lagbaja, and his family during this period of immense grief. According to him, the military and the nation would deeply feel the void left by Gen. Lagbaja’s invaluable service, especially in these critical times of addressing national security challenges.
He said Lagbaja’s 16-month tenure as army chief demonstrated his sterling performance, courage and steadfast commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty. “His enduring dedication and achievements will forever be remembered in the annals of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large,’’ he added.
Check this story for part 3
Tinubu, govs, others mourn Lagbaja, ex-army chief (3)