President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died on Tuesday night in Lagos at age 56 after a brief illness.

Lt. General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, had a distinguished military career spanning over three decades. Appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, he was respected for his leadership and commitment to national security.
His career began in 1987 when he entered the Nigerian Defence Academy. By 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja held several key positions, including roles as platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He led numerous operations critical to Nigeria’s internal security, such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States, all of which reinforced his reputation as a dedicated military leader.

In addition to his field achievements, Lt. General Lagbaja held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, an accomplishment that underscored his commitment to advancing his strategic and leadership skills.

He leaves behind his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the family, acknowledging Lt. General Lagbaja’s significant contributions to the Armed Forces and Nigeria.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said,
“The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the family and prays for the peaceful repose of Lt. General Lagbaja’s soul, honoring his legacy of service to Nigeria.”

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has expressed his condolences to three prominent Nigerians grieving the loss of their children.

In a message posted on his X handle, Obi extended his sympathies to former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, who lost his son Faisal, NNPC Limited CEO Mele Kolo Kyari, who mourns his daughter Fatima, and former Plateau State Deputy Governor Dame Pauline Tallen, who lost her only son, Richard Adamu Tallen.

Obi emphasized the profound pain of losing children with bright futures, noting the significant void their deaths create in their families.
He offered prayers for forgiveness and peace for the deceased, urging for divine protection and blessings upon the Makarfi, Kyari, and Tallen families.

Obi’s condolence messages read, “On behalf of my family, I condole with my dear elder brother and Former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi, on the loss of his son, Faisal Makarfi. 

“I also condole with my dear younger brother, Mele Kolo Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Limited, on the death of his daughter, Fatima Kyari.

“My heartfelt condolences go to all of them, including my dear elder sister Dame Pauline Tallen, whom I visited last week on the death of her only son, Richard Adamu Tallen.

“One can only imagine the pain of losing children with very promising future at such  young age. 

“The vacuum created by their death will surely be felt in all the families, but we can only accept the painful incidents as the will of the Almighty, who alone has the power of life.

“May God Almighty, who called them home at this time, forgive their sins and grant them Aljanna Firdausi. May God continue to protect and bless the Makarfi, Kyari, and the Tallen families, always. -PO”

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, following the passing of his wife, Her Excellency Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss, describing it as a great loss to the Governor’s family, Akwa Ibom State, and the nation.

The Senate President remarked: “Your Excellency, my dear brother and Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, I am deeply pained to hear of the passing of your beloved wife, Her Excellency Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno. Please accept my deepest condolences during this time of grief.”

Akpabio further paid tribute to the late Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s kindness, compassion, and dedication, noting her selfless commitment to the welfare of the people of Akwa Ibom. He reflected on the crucial role she played as a supportive partner to the Governor and as a pillar of strength to her family and the state.
“She was an exceptional woman, and her remarkable legacy will forever be remembered. Her kindness and compassion touched many lives, and her memory will continue to inspire us all,” Akpabio added.

On behalf of his family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, and the 10th National Assembly, Akpabio offered prayers for strength and courage to Governor Umo Eno and his family as they navigate this difficult time.
“We stand with you in solidarity, sharing in your grief and offering our sincere condolences. May the Almighty grant you comfort and peace, and may the soul of Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno rest in perfect peace.”