•Nation mourns deceased Army chief’s loss
The national flag will be flown at half-mast for seven days in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Taoreed Lagbaja.
President Bola Tinubu directed on Wednesday that the late Army chief be honoured with the lowering of the national flag.
Lagbaja’s death was announced by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga earlier on Wednesday.
He was 56.
Director Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Segun Imohiosen conveyed Tinubu’s directive in a statement issued in Abuja.
The president appreciated profoundly the services of the departed to the nation and wished the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Acting COAS, defence minister mourn Lagbaja
Meanwhile, notable Nigerians including the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olatubosun Oluyede, have expressed sadness over the death of Gen. Lagbaja.
Oluyede, speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, said Lagbaja’s death was highly regrettable.
“I mean the country as a whole under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, did the very best for him to be alive with us today.
“But as we all know, we all belong to God and He takes when He feels necessary for him to do so.
“So, it’s on a very sober note that I am talking this moment because the entire Nigeria Army is in a sorrowful mood because we have lost our leader, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja,” said Oluyede.
He said the late COAS gave his all to Nigeria and was a selfless leader who was passionate about Nigeria and led the Nigeria Army very well.
“He was courageous, he was known to be thorough and a professional to the core.
“So, it’s a big loss to us. And all we can say at this moment is that we pray that the good Lord will find a place for him to rest.
“I want to enjoin Nigerians to celebrate him for the good work he did,” said Oluyede.
Similarly, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru, Minister of Defence, said the death of Lagbaja was a great loss for the country.
He said Lagbaja was a gallant and hardworking officer, who had been in all the theatres of war, adding that he had done commendably well for the country.
Badaru and Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed COAS.