By Uche Onyeali
Kogi State governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo has expressed shock over the death of the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja.
Describing his demise as a huge loss to the country as a whole, Governor Ododo, in a statement yesterday signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the departure of the gallant and brave army chief was particularly sad at a time when the fight against insecurity had gathered momentum, noting that the late Lagbaja was a “fearless General, an indomitable fighter, tactical genius and an uncompromising warrior who was determined to stamp out terrorism and banditry from Nigeria.”
The governor extended his heartfelt sympathies to President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the military establishment, government and people of Osun State and the family of the departed hero.
He called on the armed forces to ensure that his dream of a secure and safe Nigeria does not die with him and prayed for the repose of his soul.
The COAS’s death was confirmed yesterday in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga, in the statement, said Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“President Tinubu regrets to announce the passing of Lieutenant-General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, at age 56,” the statement announced.
Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023 by Tinubu.
