President Bola Tinubu has been urged to honor the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, by intensifying the nation’s efforts in combating criminal activities, particularly insurgency and banditry, across Nigeria. This call came from Amitolu Shittu, the founding Field Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, who emphasized that the most fitting tribute to the late General would be through a strong, unwavering commitment to eliminating crime, ensuring lasting peace, and securing the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, Shittu expressed his condolences to the family of the late General, the Ilobu community, and the people of Osun State, who are all deeply affected by this tragic loss. Shittu described Lt. Gen. Lagbaja as a dedicated and selfless officer, who always prioritized the nation’s security, even at great personal risk, and urged President Tinubu to carry forward Lagbaja’s legacy through the continued fight against terrorism and banditry.
He pointed out that the fight against criminality is crucial for the stability and development of Nigeria, and that Tinubu should leverage his position to ensure the military’s ongoing success in this endeavor. Shittu called on Nigerians to collectively take responsibility for the country’s security and development, noting that the nation’s future depends on the successful eradication of terrorism and criminal acts.
“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 home,” Shittu stated. “The fight against terrorism is one the nation must win. President Tinubu should take heart; we will work together to build a better country.”
Reflecting on Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s untimely death, Shittu acknowledged the profound loss it represents to both the military and the nation, particularly Osun State and the Ilobu community, Lagbaja’s hometown. He described the late General as a man who was fully committed to his duties and would often be found on the frontlines alongside his troops. “Lagbaja’s death is a monumental loss to Osun, Ilobu, and Nigeria as a whole,” he said, adding that his legacy should not be tarnished by his passing, but instead inspire the ongoing efforts against the country’s enemies.
Shittu further encouraged the Nigerian Army to remain resolute, ensuring that their morale is not diminished by the loss of their leader, and called on the military to stay focused on its mission of national unity and security. He urged the Army to continue its fight against criminality, to preserve the peace necessary for the nation’s economy to flourish.
In closing, Shittu offered prayers for the eternal rest of the late General and extended his condolences to all affected by the loss, particularly to his family, the people of Ilobu, Osun State, and Nigeria as a whole.
Meanwhile, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, the Olobu of Ilobu, has also made an appeal to President Tinubu and the military authorities to release the body of the late General so that he can be laid to rest according to Islamic rites in his hometown, Ilobu. In a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Olufemi Salako, the monarch expressed deep sorrow over the death of General Lagbaja, describing it as a great loss not only to Ilobu but to Nigeria as well. Oba Olaniyan urged the federal government not to conduct the burial in Abuja, as the late Army Chief’s final resting place should be in Ilobu, where he will be honored by his community.
