By Evelyn Usman 

A sombre atmosphere enveloped the Air Force wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, today as the remains of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, were brought from the morgue at approximately 9:25 a.m. for transport to Abuja.

Present to bid the late Lagbaja farewell were the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, white cap chiefs from the Oba of Lagos palace, and senior officers from the Armed Forces, police, and paramilitary.

Also present at the airport to pay their last respect were members of the Naval Officers Wives Association, NOWA, and retired military generals. 

The national anthem, sung by the Army band, echoed through the air as the pallbearers, otherwise called escort officers, who were high-ranking military officers from the Army and Navy, took position by the casket that was draped with the Nigerian national flag for the procession march. 

Thereafter, the military funeral procession began in a slow March, with the military band playing sombre music.

The Deputy Governor and senior officers from different security agencies present followed closely behind the escort officers until the casket reached the NAF 198 C130 aircraft stairs, from where the casket was carried by an honour guard, composed of soldiers, into the aircraft that will transport the remains of the late General to Abuja. 

As the NAF 198 aircraft took off, a salute from over 140 men on parade was echoed as a fitting tribute to their former boss.