The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar is bereaved over the sad demise of the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja was announced dead on Wednesday.
According to the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Lagbaja died on Tuesday, in Lagos after a period of illness.
“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
‘His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
“Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
‘President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” Onanuga’s statement read.
In his reaction, the former Vice President, Atiku, prayed for Lagbaja’s soul to find eternal peace and rest.
“The passing of any soul diminishes us all, for in the departure of one, a part of humanity fades away.
“It is with a heavy heart and sorrowful spirit that I received the news of the tolling of the bell for the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who was called from this world in the very prime of his life.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his grieving family and to the Nigerian Army, to which he dedicated his service with unwavering honour and distinction. May his soul find eternal peace and rest,” he wrote in his condolence statement.
