The outpouring of grief over the death of the Chief of Army, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, continued yesterday.
Former military President Ibrahim Babangida hailed his commitment to the battle against insecurity, saying that he was a patriot.
Benue State Governor commiserated with his family, recalling that he played role in the return of peace to the Northcentral state.
In solidarity with the Army, Police Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun ordered policemen to put on their black bands during the seven-day mourning period.
The Onilobu of Ilobu, hometown of the deceased, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, urged the Federal Government to immortalise him.
Yesterday, Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, and the Minister of State, Bello Matawalle, led service chiefs to pay a condolence visit to the family of the deceased Army chief.
The death of Lagbaja, who passed on 56 after a brief illness, was announced by President Bola Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, two days go.
The service chiefs are the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.
Also on the delegtion was the Inspecto-Generl Egbetokun and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana.
The acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, received the visitors at the Flag Staff House, official residence of the COAS at Nigerian Barracks, Abuja.
The ministers and the service chiefs took turn to pen down their condolence messages in the register opened at the residence.
Babangida: He was a patriot
Babangida said in a statement in Minna, Niger State, that the late Lagbaja was a patriot who made sacrifices to safeguard the nation’s democracy and sovereignty.
He said:
“His death, especially at this point in his life and career, is not only a profound loss to his immediate family but to our country as a whole. He was a fine officer and a dedicated leader of men whose sense of patriotism was exemplary”.
“His vigorous effort at the frontline of the war to end banditry and insurgency has already borne good fruits, and it is unfortunate that he would not be around to see it through”,
“My heart goes out to his beloved family, his officers and men, and the country that has once again lost a gallant army chief, one in the fine tradition of his brilliant predecessors.”
He contributed to peace efforts in Benue, says Alia
Governor Alia, expressed deep sadness over the demise in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kulas in Makurdi
He described him as a key player in the efforts aimed at ensuring internal security in the country.
Fr. Alia said: “The late Lagbaja especially, developed a keen interest in the security situation in Benue State, and had worked assiduously with his administration to ensure that peace returned in the State.”
The governor prayed to God to give his immediate family, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the whole country, the fortitude to bear this great loss.
Police officers to wear black bands
Egbetokun directed policemen officers to wear black bands for seven-days in honour of Lagbaja.
Egbetokun gave the directive in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
He said the directive is to honour Lagbaja, who showed gallantry, dedication, and passion in the fight against insurgency in the country during his lifetime.
Adejobi said: “Following the demise of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to wear black band throughout the 7 day mourning period.
“This directive is to pay tribute and honour the late General who has shown gallantry, dedication, and passion for fighting violent crimes and insurgency in Nigeria. He was a great leader who deserves to be honoured by all means. May the soul of the late COAS rest in peace”.
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, (PSC) DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, who expressed shock over the death, said Lagbaja was a brave soldier who played a great role in the fight against insurgency and supported Mr. President’s efforts to free the nation from banditry and terrorism.
According to a statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations Ikechukwu Ani, DIG Argungu said Lagbaja left indelible foot marks on the sands of the nation’s security architecture.
The PSC Chairman prayed that God should give his successor, General Olufemi Oluyede, the wisdom and character to sustain and improve on the cherished legacies of his predecessor.
‘Lagbaja was courageous’
Senator Babajide Omoworare, former Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, said “Lagbaja was a courageous fighter even against the power of death.”
He noted that “his gallantry on the battlefield, command of the troops and service to Nigeria is a testament to his courage and gallantry as a number one soldier of Nigeria.”
The senator said in a statement in Osogbo:
“My heart and prayers are with the family of the departed, the traditional institution and my good people of Ilobu, Nigerian Army, the people and Government of Osun State, and the Federal Republic Nigeria.”
‘He was loyal to Nigeria’
The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), in statement by its National President, Ambassador Emmanuel Okafor, said that the late COAS was more than just a military leader, but a symbol of courage, loyalty, national unity, exceptional commitment and loyalty to his country.
He said agbaja’s selfless dedication to duty was evident in his numerous contributions to the Nigerian Army and the nation.
Okafor added: “He was a true patriot who consistently put the needs of his country above his own.
“A man of exceptional character, the late Chief of Army Staff was known for his humility and approachability.
“He inspired those around him with his leadership qualities and his ability to motivate and empower his troops.
“His strategic acumen and operational expertise were instrumental in various military operations, where he displayed exceptional courage and resilience.”
Abiodun: he served creditable Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said in a statement in Abeokuta by his Special Adviser, Kayode Akinmade, that Lagbaja was a patriotic and gallant officer who gave his best in the service of his father’s land.
The governor eulogised Lagbaja’s sense of coordination and team spirit, adding that he redefined the tenets of military engagement in the manner and speed he tackled the activities of terrorists and bandits with huge success.
Abiodun added:
“Without mincing words, the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, is indeed a colossal loss to the military and Nigeria at large.
“However, our solace lies in his very impactful, patriotic and eventful life.
“As a gallant soldier of high courage and doggedness, he gave his best in defending the territorial integrity of his father’s land.
“May God Almighty rest his soul and grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
“I, therefore, commiserate with President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, Gov. Ademola Adeleke and the entire community of Ilobu in Osun State, his ancestral home.”
Mutfwang mourns
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Lagbaja as “committed, dedicated and thorough breed” senior military officer.
He said the late COAS was exceptional and compassionate, adding that he distinguished himself throughout his military career.
He noted that Lagbaja’s commitment to national and international assignments in the pursuit of peace and stability left an indelible legacy.
The governor added that the commitment of the late COAS underscored the depth of his service to the nation.
Mutfwang added: “It is with deep sorrow and sympathy that I extend my heartfelt condolence to our President, Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the immediate family of Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja over his passing.
“Lagbaja’s legacy of justice, fairness and his steadfast dedication to the peace and security of Nigeria should serve as an enduring inspiration to all, particularly the young officers in the Nigerian Army.
“His unflagging dedication to restoring peace nationwide particularly in Plateau, where he played a crucial role during the Dec. 2023 Christmas Eve tragedy in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“While words cannot ease the pain of such a monumental loss, I pray that the Almighty God will grant his immediate family and the Nigerian army the fortitude to bear this huge loss.”
Adeleke declares three days mourning
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke declared three days of mourning in the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said in a statement that cndolence registers have been opened at the government House and Governor’s Office.
He said “the death of the late COAS is devastating, a collosal loss to humanity and the nation, and we can’t forget him. The government is sad at this irreparable loss of one of the Glory of Osun state, and we particularly condole with the Lagbaja family of Ilobu, the Olobu of Ilobu and everyone.”
Also, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, visited Ilobu community to commiserate with the Onilobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan and the entire town.
Oyetola was represented by the State Chairman of All Progressives Congress(APC), Tajudeen Lawal, the former Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye and other party leaders.
Lawal described Lagbaja’s death as a monumental loss, adding that the General died at the most critical time that Nigeria needed him.
Owoeye said the Nigeria army and Osun State had lost a patriot and loyal General who dedicated his life to the service of the nation, praying to God to console the people of Ilobu and Osun State in general.
He said: “We are here to represent the Hon Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and Leader of our party in the state to console the people of Ilobu about the unfortunate death of the illustrious son, late General Tahoeed Lagbaja.
“On behalf of the Minister, we symphathise with the Olobu of Ilobu and the people of this ancient town for the great lost.
Monarch calls for immortalistion
The Olobu of Ilobu said the death of Lagbaja was a big blow to him and the entire town, adding that the shock was too huge for him to bear
He said: “We are seriously bereaved. What happened yesterday (Wednesday) was a generational disaster to us as a people. He left us when we were rejoicing that God had answered our prayer. Since my ascension to the throne, in the last 50 years, yesterday remains one of the worst days for this community.
“He loved this community and was passionate about the development of this town. But what has happened reflects the supremacy of God. We prayed; we fasted, but his death is the wish of God.
“It is only God that can console us. No amount of condolences can pacify us. As a community, we know what we have lost. I only pray to God to stand by his family and hold the community for me. We don’t want this any longer in Ilobu and I know that God has answered our prayer.”
Oba Olaniyan appreciated Oyetola for identifying with the community during the turbulent period and called on Federal Government of Nigeria to immortalize the late army chief for his heroic services to the nation.
Also, the Chairman of the Osun Development Association (ODA), Dr Segun Aina, paid tribute to the deceased for his ‘unwavering’ commitment to peace and stability which is an inspiring legacy to be remembered for generations.
He said: “Osun Development Association (ODA) mourns the untimely passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja. His unwavering commitment to peace and stability leaves an inspiring legacy that will be remembered for generations.
“Lt. General Lagbaja’s contributions to Nigeria’s unity and safety resonate strongly with the Osun community and beyond. His leadership, courage, and dedication exemplified the highest standards of military service, and his efforts to safeguard national security were invaluable to the progress of our country. His absence is a profound loss for all Nigerians.
In this moment of grief, the Osun Development Association stands united with the nation in honoring his legacy and offering our prayers and support to his loved ones, colleagues, and all who are affected by this tragedy. May his contributions to Nigeria serve as a lasting reminder of his exemplary life.”
Lagbaja: 9 Brigade opens condolence register
The 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ikeja, yesterday opened a condolence register for Lagbaja.
Lagbaja, who served as Commander in the Brigade, was instrumental in the decimation of criminal elements in Lagos and Ogun states.
A statement by the spokesperson for the Brigade, Lieutenant Kabirat Akiode, said the late COAS left indelible legacy during his tour of duty as Commander.
Akiode added: “We would like to inform the public that a Condolence Register for the late Lt Gen TA Lagbaja is now open at the Headquarters 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army. Friends and acquaintances are welcome to pay their respects. “In the course of his meritorious career, late Lt Gen TA Lagbaja honorably served as Commander 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, where he left a lasting legacy.”