By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has assured residents of Igbokoda in Ondo State that it will work with relevant authorities to investigate and address environmental concerns arising from the recent military aircraft crash in the community.

The assurance follows complaints by residents about a persistent offensive odour around the crash site, alongside fears that decomposing human remains and possible aviation fuel leakage could affect the surrounding river and pose health risks.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Service recognised the concerns and anxiety of the affected community.

He explained that search and recovery operations were still ongoing, with the Air Force collaborating with relevant agencies to ensure the safe recovery of the aircraft wreckage.

According to the NAF, environmental and public health authorities will be engaged after the recovery exercise to assess the situation and determine the necessary measures to address any identified environmental problems.

The Service also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the wellbeing of residents and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken to safeguard public health and the environment.

Ondo Government Takes Precautionary Measures

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has directed its ministries of environment and health to begin measures to address the concerns raised by residents.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa also ordered the distribution of nose masks and other essential health supplies, while directing the Ilaje Local Government Council to arrange water tankers if assessments establish that the river is severely polluted and unsafe for use.

The measures are intended to protect residents who depend on the river for their daily activities and livelihoods.

Background to the Crash

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed into a swamp in Igbokoda on October 5, 2026, while reportedly travelling from Benin City in Edo State to Lagos.

The aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members. The accident triggered search and recovery operations involving military personnel and other relevant agencies.

The Air Force has also constituted a 12-member investigation board to determine the circumstances and causes of the crash and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.

The NAF’s latest assurance comes amid growing calls from residents and community leaders for the urgent recovery of the victims’ remains, environmental assessment and provision of safe drinking water.

The authorities are expected to coordinate further interventions as recovery operations continue and the extent of any environmental impact is assessed.

By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

Stefanie Kim Ladewig, the eight-month pregnant partner of Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen, has reportedly escaped unhurt following a three-vehicle accident in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The accident occurred at about 3:10 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in the Mithatpasa neighbourhood of Kemerburgaz, within Istanbul’s Eyupsultan district, according to Turkish media reports.

Ladewig, a 26-year-old model, was reportedly driving an SUV when her vehicle collided with a light commercial vehicle while negotiating a bend. The impact allegedly caused her SUV to veer into another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction, resulting in a collision involving three cars.

Although the vehicles sustained damage, reports indicated that no one was injured in the incident.

However, because Ladewig is eight months pregnant, she was taken to a private hospital in Istanbul for precautionary medical examinations.

She was subsequently discharged after undergoing the necessary checks, with reports confirming that her condition was satisfactory.

Osimhen, 27, is a Nigerian international striker who plays for Turkish football club Galatasaray and remains one of the country’s leading football stars.

The reports did not indicate that Osimhen was involved in the accident. No further details regarding the possibility of an investigation into the incident were immediately available.

By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reminded Nigerians that visa application fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether an application is approved or rejected.

The mission issued the clarification on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, while correcting the misconception that applicants whose visa requests are unsuccessful are entitled to refunds.

According to the mission, the payment covers the administrative cost of processing an application until a final decision is reached and does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.

It stressed that applicants should understand the difference between paying for visa processing and receiving an approved visa, noting that the fee remains non-refundable irrespective of the outcome.

The clarification serves as a reminder to prospective travellers to carefully review visa requirements and prepare their applications before making payments.

The US Mission also cautioned Nigerians against fraudulent agents and consultants who promise guaranteed visa approvals or claim that application fees can be refunded if an application is unsuccessful.

Applicants were advised to obtain accurate information about visa requirements and procedures through the official website of the United States Department of State.

The mission’s warning underscores the importance of understanding visa application rules before beginning the process, as payment of the required fee does not guarantee approval.