By Chuks Eke
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state has expressed profound sadness on the death of Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on Tuesday at the age of 56.
In the same vein, the presidentiial candidate of Labour Party, LP in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, also condoled with the entire Lagbaja family, the government of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Army.
Obi made his condolence message via his X.com account on Wednesday, describing the death as a painful loss to the deceased’s family and the nation.
Soludo, in his condolence message, extended his deepest condolences to President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Nigerian Army, and the bereaved family of the late General Lagbaja on this irreparable loss.
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 in general.
The statement read in part, “The governor reiiterated 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 the Almighty God grant the late general’s soul eternal rest and give his family the solace to bear this great loss.
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 alway
