…Sanwo-Olu, Nwifuru, Fubara Mourn

ABAKALIKI , PORT HARCOURT – Lagos State Governor and the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, describing his death as a colossal loss to Nige­ria.

The Governor also com­miserated with the Command­er-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, Security Chiefs, the Nigerian Army and the entire Nigerians over the death of the Chief of Army Staff.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Ako­sile, described Lagbaja, who died on Tuesday night in Lagos fol­lowing a brief illness at the age of 56, as a dutiful and committed soldier who served Nigeria pas­sionately.

The Chairman of the South- West Governors Forum, who also sympathised with the im­mediate family, friends and as­sociates of the late 23rd Chief of Army Staff.

The Governor praised the late Lt. General Lagbaja’s contribu­tions in Nigeria’s efforts to end the war against insurgency and banditry, noting that the country would miss the rich experience and knowledge of the deceased soldier.

He said, “On behalf of my family, the people, and the gov­ernment of Lagos State, I ex­tend my heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Army on the death of the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja. I also sympathise with families, friends, and associates of the deceased.

“I am saddened by the death of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja. His death was a painful loss to Nigeria. He was a dutiful and committed soldier who served Nigeria passionately with dedi­cation, skill, gallantry, and total commitment. He employed his long years of experience and expertise in the service of our fatherland.

“The late Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja will be sorely missed by the Nigerian Army, especially at this period when the country is intensifying the fight against insurgency and other criminal elements in different parts of the country.

“I pray that God would grant Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja eternal rest and grant the Nige­rian army and the entire securi­ty chiefs, as well as the families, associates, and colleagues of the deceased, the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable losses.

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon . Francis Ogbon­na Nwifuru has mourned the death of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Toareed Lag­baja and described it as a colossal loss to the Nigerian Army and the nation.

He said the late Army Chief throughout his career, demon­strated courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to safeguarding the Nation

“It is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that I learnt of the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Taoreed Lagbaja who died at 56.”

“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,” Nwifuru said.

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 the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the death of the late Army Chief, Gover­nor Nwifuru says, “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.”

The Governor, who also ex­tended his condolences to the Lagbaja family, urged mourn­ers to remember the late Army helmsman not only as a dedicat­ed leader— but as a compassion­ate officer who touched the lives of all who had the privilege to work with him.

Also, Rivers State Gover­nor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, ex­pressed sadness over the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieu­tenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, on Tuesday at the age of 56.

In a condolence message, Gov­ernor Fubara extended his heart­felt condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Re­public of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Nigerian Army; and the bereaved family on this great loss.