Soludo, Obi mourn Lagbaja, hail his legacy

The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed profound sadness over the death of Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 56.

Similarly, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also extended his condolences to the Lagbaja family, the Nigerian government, and the Nigerian Army.

In his condolence message, Soludo offered his deepest sympathies to President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Nigerian Army, and the bereaved family of the late General Lagbaja, describing the loss as irreparable.

The governor’s condolence message was contained in a press statement signed by his press secretary, Christian Aburime, on Wednesday.

He further described General Lagbaja’s untimely departure at the age of 56 as a huge loss to the Nigerian Army and the nation as a whole.

The statement read in part, “The governor reiterated that General Lagbaja’s distinguished military career, marked by his exceptional service and dedication to our nation’s security, serves as a tribute to his uncompromising commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress.

“As an alumnus of the prestigious US Army War College, General Lagbaja brought unparalleled expertise to his role, serving with distinction in various capacities, including as platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

“His leadership in critical internal security operations, from Operation ZAKI in Benue State to Operations Lafiya Dole, Udoka, and Forest Sanity, further demonstrated his tactical acumen and relentless dedication to Nigeria’s peace and stability.”

Soludo, therefore, prays that Almighty God grants the late general’s soul eternal rest and provides his family with the comfort needed to bear this great loss.

Meanwhile, Obi shared his condolence message via his X.com account on Wednesday, describing the death as a painful loss for both the deceased’s family and the nation.

Obi said, “I have just read the official announcement of the unfortunate death of Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

“On behalf of my family and the Obidient family, I sincerely condole with the entire Lagbaja family, the Government of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Army over this painful loss, which has indeed created a big vacuum in his family and our dear nation.

“May God Almighty, who called him home at this time, forgive his sins, grant him eternal rest, and grant his family, Nigeria’s military, the Nigerian government, and all of us the fortitude to bear his sad and irreplaceable loss. May God protect and bless his family always.”