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

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force will maintain professionalism and ensure the protection of lives and property before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

Disu gave the assurance while speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after the launch of a book titled The Origin of Women in Nigeria Police Force, authored by 96-year-old retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dame Stella Okuyiga.

The IGP said the police leadership had recently held a conference involving commissioners of police and other senior officers to review experiences from previous elections and strengthen preparations for the forthcoming polls.

According to him, lessons from recent electoral exercises would help the force identify areas requiring improvement and develop better strategies for managing security challenges during the 2027 elections.

Disu expressed confidence that police personnel would carry out their responsibilities professionally, adding that the force was determined to improve its performance and earn the confidence of Nigerians throughout the electoral process.

He stressed that the experience gained from previous elections would guide officers in addressing potential challenges associated with the nationwide exercise.

The police chief also highlighted the importance of preserving the history of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the contributions of women who helped establish its foundations.

He commended Okuyiga, one of the pioneer female officers who joined the force in 1955, for documenting her experiences and making them available to younger generations.

Disu disclosed that the police intended to make copies of the book available to training institutions to help officers understand the history, sacrifices and achievements of their predecessors.

The development comes as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, with security agencies expected to play a crucial role in protecting voters, electoral officials and voting materials.

As the elections approach, Nigerians will be looking to the police to translate their assurances into effective security arrangements, impartial enforcement of the law and the protection of citizens’ democratic rights.

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.