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FULL LIST: NAF Names 25 Victims of Ondo Aircraft Crash

October 6, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The aircraft crashed on Monday while it was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos. According to the NAF, five crew members and 20 passengers were on board. No survivor has been found following the crash, the Air Force said in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. NAF Releases Names of Victims The five crew members who lost their lives have been identified as: Squadron Leader MI Aburime – Flight Captain Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje – Co-pilot Flight Lieutenant IS Bako – Co-pilot Warrant Officer Abubakar A – Aircraft Technician Corporal Uguru HC – Aircraft Technician The 20 passengers have been identified as: Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye Flying Officer IM Adeshina Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F Master Warrant Officer Matini BA Warrant Officer Nuhu FS Flight Sergeant James RB Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI Sergeant Ani AE Sergeant Izibenikien SI Sergeant Alafuka C Sergeant Mbadugha AN Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC Lance Corporal Eledan GE Mrs Ezeh Nneka Godstmine Tarabina Joy Micheal Sunday Micheal Ukeme David Gideon Omotola NAF Begins Investigation According to the Air Force, search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the crash. The response was carried out in coordination with relevant authorities as efforts were made to locate and account for everyone on board. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Aneke described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation” and expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims. He also assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support during the difficult period. The NAF said further verified information would be released as the investigation progresses. The public was also urged to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information. The Air Force appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families. Condolence Register Opened in Abuja Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja. According to the Service, the register is available for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects to the victims and sympathise with their families. The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates on the investigation and the recovery efforts.

No Survivor Found Yet as Aiyedatiwa Speaks on Ondo Air Crash

October 5, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said no survivor has been found following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state. Aiyedatiwa disclosed this during an interview with Channels Television on Monday, saying residents, security personnel and emergency responders had searched the crash site but had not found anyone alive. The governor said he received information about the incident at about 10:30am after the chairman of the local government contacted him. According to him, residents living across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound before seeing the aircraft plunge into a swampy area. He explained that the Nigerian Navy initially held back to determine whether the crash had caused a fire or explosion before moving towards the site. “When they noticed that it’s just an accident, they didn’t see any sign of fire. So they moved in, trying to see if they could rescue the people,” Aiyedatiwa said. He added that officials of the local emergency management agency, residents and personnel of the Amotekun Corps later joined the search and rescue operation. However, the governor said no survivor had been located as of the time of the interview. “But from the information we got, no single life was saved up to this moment. They could not see any living soul that was in that aircraft,” he said. Aiyedatiwa said search teams recovered parts of the aircraft, including pieces of the wings, identification cards and military uniforms. The findings, he said, helped confirm that the aircraft was a military plane. “But they saw the ruins, some of the wreckage from the wings of the aircraft, you know, some ID cards, I was told, and then uniform. That was when they knew it was a military aircraft,” he said. The governor described the incident as a painful development, particularly because it occurred in Ondo State and his home local government. He also expressed sympathy for the military personnel involved, describing them as officers assigned to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria. The Nigerian Air Force had earlier confirmed that an ATR-42 aircraft with tail number NGR 931 crashed in Igbokoda while on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force said search and rescue operations were still ongoing as authorities continued efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.

One Killed, Three Injured in Lagos Road Crash

October 2, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

One person has been killed while three others sustained serious injuries in a road crash involving a Lexus Jeep along the Coastal Road inward Eko Hotel, Lagos. The accident occurred on Friday, according to a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq. The statement said the grey Lexus Jeep 350, with registration number LSD 554 KV, reportedly lost control, crashed into a roadside pole and overturned. “Preliminary security information indicated that the vehicle reportedly lost control, violently collided with a roadside pole and subsequently overturned, resulting in three seriously injured victims and one fatality,” the statement said. Following the crash, LASTMA operatives monitoring the area quickly mobilised to secure the scene and facilitate emergency response. With the help of Good Samaritans, the three injured victims were rescued and taken to Duck-Yard Hospital within the Military Zone for treatment. Security personnel from Victoria Island also assisted, while LASTMA officers removed the damaged vehicle from the road to prevent another accident and restore traffic flow. Meanwhile, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commiserated with the family of the deceased and urged motorists to drive with caution. He warned that “excessive speed, reckless driving and loss of vehicular control could have devastating and irreversible consequences for motorists and other road users.” Bakare-Oki also urged motorists and members of the public to report road crashes, vehicle breakdowns and other emergencies through the LASTMA toll-free short code, 3367, for prompt intervention.

Oyo Abduction: DSS to Re-Arraign Five Suspects Thursday

September 16, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The Department of State Services (DSS) will on Thursday re-arraign five suspected members of the Ansaru terrorist group over their alleged involvement in the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The suspects are also facing allegations linked to the subsequent killing of two of the abducted victims. The Federal Government filed a six-count amended charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/438/2026, before the Federal High Court in Abuja through the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN. Suspects Seek Lawyer of Their Choice The five defendants are Mahmud Muhammad, also known as Abu Bara’a and Abbas Mukhtar; Abubakar Abbas, aka Isah Adam and Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri; Abdulrazak Umar, aka Abu Khalifa and Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, aka Abu Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, aka Abu Itisar. The court had scheduled their arraignment for Wednesday, but proceedings stalled after the first defendant objected to representation by a lawyer from the Legal Aid Council. The council’s Deputy Director, Akilaluyel Shettima, had announced his appearance for the five defendants before Justice Saliu Ibrahim. However, Muhammad told the court that the defendants wanted their previous lawyer, Bala Dakum, to continue representing them. “We had been represented by Bala Dakum as our lawyer before and we would want him to continue to defend us,” he said. Court Grants Access to Defence Lawyer Oyedepo acknowledged the defendants’ constitutional right to counsel of their choice and said the DSS was committed to ensuring justice. Following the objection, Justice Ibrahim adjourned the case until Thursday for the defendants to be re-arraigned. The judge directed the suspects to contact Dakum and ensure his presence in court. He also ordered the DSS to grant the defendants access to their lawyer to enable them prepare their defence in accordance with the law.

Osun Shooting: Accord Chieftain Buried as Police Recover Second Corpse

September 14, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The Osun State Police Command has recovered another corpse from the Mayfair Motor Park in Ile-Ife, bringing the number of deaths linked to Sunday’s shooting at the park to two. The police confirmed the development on Monday as the remains of Olalekan Oyeyemi, a chieftain of the Accord Party in Osun State popularly known as ‘Emir Ajagungbade,’ were laid to rest at his newly completed residence in the Agunbelewo area of Osogbo according to traditional rites. Emir died on Sunday after gunmen opened fire during a clash involving him and a group led by another National Union of Road Transport Workers leader identified by his nickname, Sibi, at the Mayfair Motor Park. A video that circulated on social media after the incident showed Emir lying face down in a pool of blood inside a vehicle. Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, later confirmed Emir’s death in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and directed the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, to identify and arrest those responsible. Emir’s death has been linked to moves by some members of the transport union to install him as the next Osun State chairman of the NURTW. Police Recover Second Corpse Providing an update on the incident, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, told journalists that the police had recovered another body from the motor park. “The governor has decided that the park should not operate. The park has not been operating. A corpse was also recovered by the police, and it has been deposited at the morgue. “The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for more investigation. Those being mentioned in connection with the crime, they should go to the nearest Police station to report themselves rather than going to social media to defend themselves. The Commissioner of Police has promised that all those involved will be apprehended and face the law, irrespective of who they are.” Meanwhile, traditionalists conducted Emir’s burial rites in the presence of close family members and priests. His associates, who accompanied his remains from the Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo, waited outside the premises while the traditional burial rites took place. Hoodlums Attack Hospital Workers Before the hospital released Emir’s remains, suspected hoodlums believed to be associates of the deceased attacked two members of staff after discovering that the workers were recording them with their phones. Our correspondent, who visited the hospital to monitor developments, later observed the arrival of additional police vehicles carrying security operatives. Their presence helped restore calm at the facility. Commissioner Denies Endorsing Emir as NURTW Chairman Meanwhile, the Osun State Commissioner for Transportation, Sesan Oyedele, has denied claims that he summoned NURTW leaders to his residence in Modakeke on Sunday and told them that the state government had endorsed Emir as the next chairman of the union. Two NURTW leaders in Ile-Ife, identified as Gbadagesin and Kazeem Akeem, had made the allegation in videos circulating on social media. Speaking with PUNCH Online, Oyedele dismissed the claim and said the individuals who spoke about the meeting were not present when the issue of the NURTW chairmanship came up. “The person who did the video was not at the meeting I had with them. Had he been there, he would have known that what I told them was not what he said in that video. I was not in the meeting they had in Osogbo last week. After that meeting, which involved transport union members from various branches, they called me on Thursday and said they wanted to come and see me. I told them to come to my office on Monday (today), but they said they could come to my house. “They came around 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. When they got to my house, they told me that they had all agreed that Olalekan Emir should be the next chairman, and they wanted me to support them. I told them that since that was what they wanted, I would present their case before the governor, the Chief of Staff and others when he gets back to the state. That was our agreement before they left. It was two hours after they left my house that I was called that Emir had been killed,” he said. Oyedele appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that the government was working to resolve the crisis. The police have meanwhile transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and vowed to arrest and prosecute everyone found culpable, regardless of their status. spokesperson for Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi

Nepal Flood Death Toll Tops 1,000 as Thousands Remain Missing

September 10, 2026September 1, 2026 by admin

At least 987 people have died in devastating floods along the China-Nepal border, Nepal’s disaster authority said on Tuesday, pushing the overall death toll from the disaster beyond 1,000. Chinese state media earlier confirmed 16 people were killed in Tibet, bringing the total toll from Wednesday’s disaster to 1,003. The number of missing in Nepal dropped to 3,916, as rescue efforts entered a seventh day, and the bodies recovered rose. In China, state media say there are 546 people missing, taking the overall number of missing to 4,462. The missing in Nepal include 583 foreigners from over 30 nationalities. The missing in China include 261 foreigners from 23 countries. Among the missing foreigners, Indians make up one of the largest proportions, with 275 citizens and another 128 people of Indian origin missing in Nepal, according to New Delhi. There are 85 US citizens missing, according to the State Department on Sunday. There are also 62 Ukrainians, 51 Malaysians, 42 Australians, and 33 British citizens, according to reports, including both Nepal’s tourist board and embassies. In India, authorities in Uttar Pradesh state said they had recovered 17 bodies from rivers flowing from Nepal, believed to be flood victims. Indian authorities are seeking to identify them, and they are not included in the toll. AFP

Bandits Kill Eight Farmers, Injure Five in Sokoto Community

September 11, 2026August 30, 2026 by admin

Bandits have attacked Ghandi community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing at least eight farmers and injuring five others in a shooting attack. The attack, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, sent residents into panic as the assailants reportedly stormed the community around 3:00 p.m. The spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent. Rufai said the command was aware of the attack, adding that details of the incident were being gathered. According to him, ” Yes, we are aware of the attack, 8 farmers were killed while another five were injured. We will make it public once we are done with the information being gathered on it, ” Rafai added. A local source, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the bandits opened fire on farmers in the community. According to the source, “The bandits came around 3:00 p.m. and started shooting at people. No fewer than eight farmers were killed, while at least five others sustained gunshot injuries.” The source alleged that the attack was carried out in retaliation for the killing of some members of the bandit group by security agencies during recent operations in the area. He said, “We believe this was a retaliatory attack because some members of the group were killed by security personnel in the last few days.” The latest attack has heightened concerns among residents of Ghandi and neighbouring communities, particularly farmers who have continued to face threats from armed groups operating in parts of the state.

Benue Varsity Student Arrested for Allegedly Pouring Hot Water on Colleague

September 11, 2026August 29, 2026 by admin

The Benue State Police Command has arrested a 500-level student of Fr Moses Adasu University, formerly known as Benue State University, for allegedly attacking a neighbour by pouring hot water on them. The spokesperson for the state command, DSP Peter Aondongu, told journalists on Saturday that an investigation had commenced to unravel the cause of fighting between the two students. He said, “Yes, it happened yesterday, Friday, August 28, 2026. “From the information I have, both students were staying in the same room and had an issue. The suspect allegedly boiled water, added salt and pepper, and poured the mixture on the victim and then locked her inside. “After some time, people became aware of what had happened and were able to intervene and rescue the victim. She was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment, while the suspect was arrested. “I don’t have much information yet about the genesis of the disagreement or what led to the incident, but I can confirm that the incident happened. I also understand that both of them are students of the Benue State University.” Meanwhile, our correspondent learnt that the suspect had attacked a 200-level Political Science student of the same university, identified as Rose, following a disagreement. Narrating what might have transpired between the two female students, the Students’ Union President, Akighirga Vitalis, who led members of his executive to the hospital, said that Rose explained that there was a disagreement with the suspect identified as Felicia, which allegedly escalated into the violent attack. Vitalis said that the duo had been living together before disagreements over personal matters began to strain their relationship. While expressing shock over the condition of the student and condemning the alleged attack, Vitalis described it as “a grave and unacceptable assault on the life and well-being of a fellow student.” He said, “We are deeply concerned about this incident. The Students’ Union will follow this matter closely until justice prevails.” The union president assured all that the union would engage relevant authorities and monitor the investigation, as well as any disciplinary process that may arise within the university. Vitalis said that if the allegations against Felicia are established through due process, the Students’ Union would support the application of appropriate sanctions under the university’s regulations, including expulsion where warranted. “The Students’ Union will not condone violence or any conduct capable of endangering the life of another student,” Vitalis said.

Two Feared Dead as Crisis Erupts at Osun Motor Park

August 24, 2026 by admin

Two people were feared killed in Ikire, Osun State, on Monday following an alleged attempt to seize control of a motor park at Naira and Kobo Junction in the town. One of the videos of the incident obtained by our correspondent showed a man sitting in a vehicle and appearing to be dead, with an open wound on his head. In another picture, a man was seen lying face down in a pool of blood. Sources who spoke to PUNCH Online on the condition of anonymity said drivers allegedly loyal to the All Progressives Congress had been in control of the park until some drivers who were said to be members of the Accord Party arrived at about 10:30 am and allegedly attempted to take over the park. An eyewitness, who craved anonymity, said during a telephone interview, “A political thug named said to be working for APC and his team were at the motorpark in Ikire around Naira and Kobo area in Ikire when some political thugs from Accord stormed the area around 10:30am to take over the place. “During the melee, a new Toyota Hilux donated to Ikire Divisional Police Station was damaged. The windscreen was smashed and the tyres damaged.” Another resident of Ikire, who spoke on the incident during a telephone chat, told our correspondent that, “The Accord Party members were trying to take over the park from those of the APC extraction, and during the mayhem, an Accord member was shot. “After the killing, the Accord members went to the palace of Akire of Ikire to report that the Divisional Police Officer was involved in the mayhem. “During the meeting at the palace, police claimed that the Accord members abducted the Secretary of Palm Oil Seller Association in Ikire and it was while chasing the kidnappers that an exchange of fire occurred and in the process, a stray bullet hit one person.” Efforts to get the Police Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, were unsuccessful. Calls to his mobile line rang out, while responses to text messages sent to him were still being awaited as of the time of filing this report. Details soon…

Police Arrest 27-Year-Old Suspect Over Fatal Hotel Stabbing in Adamawa

August 15, 2026 by admin

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man over the alleged killing of a woman at a hotel in Girei Local Government Area of the state. In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesman, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said the incident occurred at No Vex Hotel, Girei, on Friday. “Following a report of an altercation at No Vex Hotel, Girei LGA, on 14th August 2026, operatives from Girei Divisional Police Headquarters swiftly responded to the scene. “The victim was found with severe injuries and in a pool of blood. She was immediately rushed to a medical facility where she was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,” the statement said. According to the police, the suspect, identified as Ali Haruna, of Bolori Ward, Maiduguri, Borno State, had been arrested in connection with the incident. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly made statements claiming responsibility for the act. The police are, however, treating this as part of the ongoing investigation and are working to establish the circumstances and motive behind the incident,” the statement added. The command said the knife allegedly used in the commission of the offence was recovered from the suspect and would be treated as an exhibit. The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, Kabir Hassan, had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case and ensure a discreet, thorough and professional investigation. The command assured members of the public that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law. It further urged the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from jungle justice while allowing the police to conclude their investigation. However, when Weekend Punch visited the scene on Saturday, an eyewitness said the suspect lodged at the hotel, which is owned by a retired police officer, on Friday afternoon and allegedly committed the murder by 5pm the same day. The eyewitness further claimed that the suspect confessed that the deceased was the third person he had killed this year.