President Bola Tinubu has been advised that the only way to immortalize the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, is through a commitment to combating criminal activities across Nigeria.
This advice was given by Amitolu Shittu, the pioneer Field Commander of the Osun Amotekun.
In a statement on Friday, Shittu also extended condolences to the Lagbaja family, the Ilobu community, and Osun State over the tragic loss of the Army Chief.
He noted that Tinubu’s commitment to eradicating banditry and related criminal acts would be a meaningful way to honor Lagbaja’s legacy and dedication to service.
Shittu stated that the fight against banditry remains critical for national stability and urged Tinubu to leverage his office’s authority to bring lasting peace and security to Nigeria.
He said, “It is our joint responsibility to put our lives on the line for the development of our nation. We do not have any other country to call our home. The fight against terrorism is one the nation must win. President Tinubu should take heart; we will work together to build a better country.
“Lt. Gen. Lagbaja did his best for this country, and he was expected to continue the good work he was doing with his troops, but the Creator had other plans. President Tinubu should not grow weary due to Lagbaja’s death.
“The best way to honor this remarkable late COAS is to win the war against banditry and ensure that every act of criminality is nipped in the bud. The President and the Army should sustain the gains and strengthen the fight against the enemies of Nigeria.
“Lagbaja’s death is a monumental loss to Osun, Ilobu—his hometown—and Nigeria as a whole. He was a passionate and dedicated officer who would not hesitate to travel to the frontlines and stay with his troops. His men should not be demoralized by his sudden passing,” Shittu said.
He added, “The Army should do everything to keep Nigeria united. They should eradicate criminal acts and ensure the country remains safe for the economy to thrive. May God grant the late Army Chief eternal rest.
“To the immediate family of the late COAS, his community, Ilobu, Osun State, President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and all of us connected to the late Lagbaja, may God grant us the fortitude to bear the loss. Amen.”
Meanwhile, the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, has called on President Bola Tinubu to release the body of the former Chief of Army Staff so he can be buried according to Islamic rites in Ilobu.
Oba Olaniyan made this known through his spokesperson, Olufemi Salako.
The monarch described the death of General Lagbaja as a great loss to Ilobu and Nigeria.
“I’m pleading with President Bola Tinubu and the military authorities to release the body of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja so we can bury him in accordance with Islamic rites in Ilobu.”
He urged the Federal Government not to bury the late Army Chief in Abuja.