metro

I regret obtaining NDA form for Lagbaja, says family head

Published

2 months ago

November 9, 2024

Late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja

I regret obtaining NDA form for Lagbaja, says family head

Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja, the head of the family of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, is of the view that the gallant soldier would still be alive if he didn’t take up a career in the military.

He therefore expressed regrets obtaining Nigerian Defence Academic (NDA) form for the deceased.

He said he wouldn’t have obtained the form if he knew his life would be cut short.

Other family members who are still dazed by their illustrious son’s death alleged that he was killed diabolically because of a land dispute in his hometown, Ilobu community.

It will be recalled that there was a dispute in Ilobu, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State in 2023, when delegates of the Nigerian Army planned to cite a hospital in the community.

Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja (younger brother of the late COAS’s father), disclosed that he obtained the NDA form for the late Lieutenant General.

Newstrends reports that Pa Lagbaja spoke with The Nation and was quoted as saying, “Everyone who is born must die. We give glory to God. The year that I obtained NDA form for him, if I had known that he would die before me, I would not have done so. I regret obtaining the form for him. But it is his destiny.

“The death that killed Taoreed Lagbaja ought to take me. I took him as one of my children. We are greatly bereaved, we are sad. He constructed a borehole in his father’s compound and other places in the community.

“We can never forget him. Hs death is shocking to us. I have accepted the fate, all the promises he made to me have hit a brickwall. He always gave us hope in the family. Despite the sorrow, I give thanks to God.”

Another family member who identified herself simply as Madam Toyin, alleged that Lagbaja was killed diabolically because of a land dispute in the community.

Lt. General Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos following an illness, as announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

READ ALSO:

President Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the loss of a “dedicated servant of the nation” whose military career spanned over three decades.

Lt. General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023.

His service history includes numerous leadership roles in critical security operations such as Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

A distinguished alumnus of the U.S. Army War College with a Master’s in Strategic Studies, Lt. General Lagbaja was recognized for his strategic acumen and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Tinubu offered his condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, showing Lt. General Lagbaja’s legacy of service and integrity.

Meanwhile, Kogi State governor, Ahmed Ododo, yesterday expressed shock over the death of Lagbaja.

The governor described his death as “a huge loss to the country as a whole.”

A statement by Kogi State Information and Communications Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo said: “The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo has expressed shock over the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, calling his demise ‘a huge loss to the country as a whole’.

“Governor Ododo said the departure of the gallant and brave Army Chief was particularly sad at a time the fight against insecurity in Nigeria had gathered momentum, noting that the late Gen. Lagbaja was a ‘fearless General, an indomitable fighter, a tactical genius and an uncompromising warrior who was determined to stamp out terrorism and banditry from Nigeria’.

“The Governor extends his heartfelt sympathies to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Sen Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR; the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Military establishment, the government and people of Osun State and the family of the departed hero.

“He called on the Nigerian 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.”

Also paying tributes to the late COAS, a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, described Lagbaja as a strategic commander whose “leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the Nigerian Army into the formidable institution it is today.”

He said late General Lagbaja was a “true embodiment of discipline and dedication,” whose passing had left a void in the Nigerian Army and the country as a whole.

READ ALSO:

General Buratai said this in a statement yesterday.

The statement reads: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, a true embodiment of discipline and dedication. His passing leaves a void in the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, General Lagbaja’s beloved wife, Mrs. Mariyah Abiodun Lagbaja, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and the entire Nigerian Army. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.

“During my time as COAS, I found him worthy of command where he was appointed Commander 9 Brigade in Ikeja and later Commander 2 Brigade in Uyo. The 2 Brigade that I also commanded. Upon his promotion to the rank of Major General, I posted him to Army Headquarters as the Director Campaign Plan in 2020. The nation has lost a strategic commander.

“General Lagbaja’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the Nigerian Army into the formidable institution it is today. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the nation he served with great zeal and commitment.

“In this difficult time, I pray that General Lagbaja’s family, friends, and colleagues find solace in the memories of his remarkable life and service. May his dedication to Nigeria inspire future generations to follow in his footsteps.

“Rest in peace, General Lagbaja. Your service to our great nation will never be forgotten.”

The Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo has condoled with President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Army over the death of Lagbaja.

Tompolo, in a signed statement made available to reporters yesterday, also commiserated with the bereaved family.

He described his demise as “sad,” adding that he would be sorely “missed”.

The former freedom fighter emphasised the contributions of the late Army Chief to Nigeria’s security and in particular, the protection of critical national assets in the Niger Delta region.

READ ALSO:

Parts of the statement read: “We are indeed touched in this sad story of the demise of our beloved General, who contributed so much to the security of the country and external aggressions.

“His support and co-operation in the security of oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta region is known to industry players and so many persons. We miss him.

“May the good Lord give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Nigerian Military, the Nigerian Army and the family the strength and fortitude to bear the loss”.

Speaking in the same vein, the lawmaker representing Eket/ONNA/Esit-Eket/Ibeno in the House of Representatives, Okpolupm Etteh, condoled with the Nigerian Army and the family of the deceased.

Etteh, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, in a solemn message yesterday, noted that the late COAS’s leadership and patriotism set a high standard within the Nigerian Army and contributed significantly to advancing the military’s mission of national defense and peace.

The lawmaker who is also a member of the House Committee on Army, expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues of the late Army Chief, acknowledging the profound loss his passing has brought to the entire nation.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the late general’s soul and for God to grant strength to his family during this difficult time.

“Lt. General Lagbaja, remembered for his dedicated service to Nigeria, leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s security,” he said.

I regret obtaining NDA form for Lagbaja, says family head

metro

Plateau killings: Troops arrest 20 suspects

Published

6 minutes ago

December 26, 2024

Trends Admin

Plateau killings: Troops arrest 20 suspects

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested 20 suspects in connection with the killings in Tingbwa Gidan Ado community of Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau.

Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Commander of OPSH, disclosed this at the Christmas luncheon organised for troops of OPSH and 3 Division of the Nigerian Army on Thursday in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen on Dec. 22 attacked the community and killed 15 persons.

Abdulsalam, who is also the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, said its troops had also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition.

“Following hours of sustained night operations, we have apprehended 20 suspects directly and indirectly involved in the last attack on Tingbwa Gidan Ado village in Riyom LGA on Dec. 22.

“We have also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, which has greatly starved criminal elements of the freedom of action to carry out their nefarious activities.

“Let the spirit of Christmas renew our commitment to the values we hold dear; let it inspire us to serve with even greater passion and determination,” he said.

READ ALSO:

The commander thanked troops of OPSH and the 3rd Division for their sacrifices toward ensuring the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

“On this special day, I acknowledge and applaud the sacrifices you have made; many of you are far away from home, unable to celebrate Christmas and the yuletide season with family and loved ones.

“While others enjoy the warmth of family and comfort of home, you endure the realities of duty.

“Your courage and resilience would never go unnoticed as they embody the highest form of sacrifice.

metro

Five Gaza journalists die in Israeli strike

Published

19 minutes ago

December 26, 2024

Trends Admin

Five Gaza journalists die in Israeli strike

At least five journalists have been killed in an Israeli strike in the central Gaza Strip, Palestinian TV channel reports.

They were reportedly in a Quds Today van parked outside al-Awda hospital, where the wife of one of the journalists was about to give birth, in the central Nuseirat refugee camp.

The channel posted a video of what it said was the burning vehicle with “press” signage on the back doors.

The Israeli Air Force said it had attacked “in a targeted manner and with intelligence guidance” a vehicle with members of the armed group Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) inside. It added that measures had been taken to minimise civilian casualties.

Quds Today is linked with the PIJ faction, which participated in Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The unprecedented attack set off the war in Gaza.

In a related development, five individuals were reported dead in Israeli strikes on Gaza City on Wednesday.

The Palestinian Wafa news agency and the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry also reported that 20 more people were hurt in the city’s al-Zeitoun neighbourhood.

READ ALSO:

The Israeli military has not responded to the purported bombing.

Meanwhile, the father of a two-week-old Palestinian girl has informed the BBC that his infant daughter died from frostbite in a tent in Gaza, becoming the third kid in a week to die in similar conditions.

Mahmoud Ismail Al-Faseeh stated he awoke in the bitter cold to find his daughter, Sila, having convulsions.

The head of paediatrics at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis told the Associated Press that she was rushed to the hospital but died of hypothermia.

The family was taking refuge in the al-Mawasi neighbourhood on Gaza’s coast, which the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) classified as a humanitarian zone but has been targeted by air attacks.

According to Ahmed al-Farra, the head of paediatrics, two more newborns, one three days old and the other a month old, were brought in within the last 48 hours after dying from hypothermia.

Hopes of progress towards a truce in recent days have begun to fade, with Hamas and Israel trading blame at each other.

Hamas accused Israel of setting “new conditions” that were delaying the agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu iistated that the organisation was violating previously agreed-upon understandings over a potential truce.

Following encouraging signs, both parties’ most recent pronouncements reflect a significant shift in tone.

Following last year’s Hamas onslaught, the Israeli military started air strikes and a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The attack killed approximately 1,200 individuals, while another 251 were carried back to Gaza as hostages.

No fewer than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive, Gaza’s health ministry says. Almost two million people—90% of the population—have been displaced, according to the UN.

Five Gaza journalists die in Israeli strike

metro

Bandit leader Bello Turji threatens reprisals over arrest of close associate

Published

29 minutes ago

December 26, 2024

Trends Admin

Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji

Bandit leader Bello Turji threatens reprisals over arrest of close associate

Notorious terrorism leader Bello Turji has issued threats to residents of surrounding communities following the recent arrests of suspects by the Nigerian military.

In a video released on Christmas Day, Turji claimed that the individuals apprehended were not bandits but “innocent” elderly members of his ancestral community.

The Nigerian military had earlier announced the capture of several of Turji’s associates during an operation. Major General Buba Edward, the Director of Media Operations at Defence Headquarters, disclosed on December 20 that those arrested included Bako Wurgi, Hamisu Sale (aka Master), and Abubakar Muhammad.

According to the military, Wurgi is suspected of being involved in the murder of a Sokoto monarch, among other heinous crimes.

Turji’s threats have raised concerns about potential reprisals against local communities, as security forces intensify efforts to dismantle his network.

“The arrested terrorist leader, Bako Wurgi, eventually succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during the firefight. He, nevertheless, provided valuable intelligence to support troops’ operations before he died,” Mr Edward said.

READ ALSO:

But five days after the statement, Mr Turji, surrounded in the video by armed men brandishing sophisticated arms, said the military did not capture the three suspects in a battle, but arrested them in market places and in the hospital.

Mr Turji also blamed residents of the areas for providing information to the military that led to the arrests, vowing to punish the communities for their actions.

“The message is for the residents of Zamfara and Sokoto States, specifically, residents of Shinkafi, to release our brothers who are with them; otherwise, the year 2025 is going to be deadly for them with frequent kidnapping for ransom,” he said.

“Edward Buba, look at the elderly people you arrested. They are above 75 years old. And look at me. I am 35 years old, and you said those people you arrested are my accomplices. Edward Buba, be mindful of what you are telling people. If you cannot go to the battlefield, go inside your room and rest and stop lying to the people,” Mr Turji said.

He also challenged the military to display the guns it claimed soldiers seized from the bandits at battle. “Display them to the people if you fought the battle with us,” he said.

“Our brothers whom you arrested were picked up at the markets and others in the hospital. We never fought any battle with you. If you actually want to fight us, not our parents, you know where we are. Come, let us fight.

“We are calling on the residents of Shinkafi, Isa, Zurmi, and its environs in this coming year, 2025 if you don’t address those informants responsible for the killing of our brothers, you will face the consequences. You know we are killers, we know how to kill. You people see us as uncivilised; we also see you as such.

“Any town that fails to obey our directives, we are going to turn it into rubble,” Mr Turji said, pointing at some dilapidated buildings close to him.