Category: Nigerian Tribune

The resignation of eight members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly from the All Progressives Congress (APC) could affect the party’s prospects in the 2027 elections in the state, political analyst Professor Abubakar Ahmed Abdullahi has said.

Abdullahi described the lawmakers’ resignation as a setback for the APC, saying it could affect the party’s ability to mobilize support ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued on Monday in Gusau, the analyst said politics was a game of numbers.

The statement reads in parts: ‘A political party draws its strength and capacity to win elections from the number of committed registered supporters especially those drawn from the grassroots.

‘The media is still awash as the Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) woke up on Saturday, 3/10/2026 to the shocking news of the resignation of eight serving members of the State House of Assembly elected on its platform.

‘Their resignation and their imminent defection to the opposition, is not only a major embarrassment to the political leaders of the state, particularly the Director-General of the Tinubu/Shatima Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari but a clear-cut way indicating that all is not well in the APC in the state.

‘If care is not taken, I vividly foresee a Tinubu failing woefully in Zamfara State in the next election just because some few individuals refuse to do their part and responsibility to bring the needed results, which they have always boasted of,’ he mentioned.

When bad cholesterol builds up in the blood vessels, it forms thick, hard deposits that narrow the arteries. Over time, this blockage restricts blood circulation, forcing the heart to work twice as hard and dramatically raising the risk of sudden heart attacks and stroke.

According to clinical reports from the World Health Organization, unhealthy diets heavy in saturated fats and refined starches represent the primary driver of cardiovascular diseases globally.

In this article, Tribune Online examines the most effective, accessible food swaps within our local markets that naturally clear arterial fat and keep your heart strong.

Swap fatty red meats and ‘obstacles’ for oily cold-water fish

The typical Nigerian party plate or weekend soup pot is often loaded with cow intestines, tripe, kidney, and fatty beef chunks, colloquially known as ‘obstacles’ or ‘assorted.’ These organ meats and heavily marbled cuts contain intense concentrations of saturated fats and dietary cholesterol that trigger rapid spikes in blood lipid levels.

Instead of piling up assorted meats, switch your primary protein source to fresh mackerel, locally known as titus, sardine, or catfish. Mackerel is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, an essential healthy fat that reduces arterial inflammation and sweeps dangerous lipids out of blood pathways.

To make this swap effectively, prepare your soups by poaching, boiling, or oven-baking your seasoned fish rather than tossing it into deep boiling groundnut oil.

Swap deep-fried plantain for boiled unripe plantain

Fried ripe plantain, popularly known as dodo, is a beloved staple across Nigerian homes and street food stalls. However, ripe plantains absorb substantial quantities of vegetable oil during frying, delivering high calories and damaged fats directly into the bloodstream.

Unripe plantain serves as a potent cardiovascular ally. It is virtually free of sugar and possesses an abundance of resistant starch and soluble dietary fiber. Soluble fiber functions like a sponge in your digestive tract, trapping cholesterol particles and expelling them before they enter the bloodstream.

You can easily replace dodo with boiled unripe plantain paired with a rich vegetable sauce, or roast it plainly as bole without slathering it in saturated palm oil sauces.

heavy palm oil bleaching for light vegetable broths and stew bases

Bleaching red palm oil until it turns clear and smoky is a traditional foundation for making local delicacies such as ayamase and ofada stew. This intense heat processing alters the natural structure of the oil, stripping out its beneficial antioxidants and transforming it into dangerous trans fats and free radicals that injure blood vessel linings.

Unrefined red palm oil contains valuable beta-carotene and tocotrienols when consumed in strict moderation. However, heart health dramatically improves when meals transition toward light tomato, pepper, and onion bases cooked with minimal, unbleached healthy oils such as cold-pressed olive oil, sunflower oil, or pure groundnut oil.

You can also use natural bone or vegetable stock seasoned with garlic, ginger, and scent leaves to build rich flavors without needing multiple cups of processed cooking oil.

Swap refined cassava swallows for high-fiber oats and guinea corn

Eba, fufu, and pounded yam dominate afternoon and evening meals across the country. While deeply satisfying, these heavy swallows consist largely of refined carbohydrates with minimal soluble fiber, leading to blood sugar spikes that stimulate the liver to manufacture more internal cholesterol.

A heart-friendly swap is whole rolled oats processed into an oat swallow, or traditional northern grains like guinea corn and finger millet. Whole oats contain beta-glucan, a scientifically proven soluble fiber that binds directly with bile acids in your gut, compelling your body to pull excess cholesterol out of the blood to make new bile.

Prepare this by blending dry rolled oats into a smooth powder and stirring it into boiling water over moderate heat until it solidifies into a pliable swallow that pairs with vegetable soup.

Swap white polished rice for local Ofada rice

Polished white long-grain rice has had its nutrient-dense husk and fibrous bran entirely stripped away during industrial processing. What remains is fast-digesting starch that rapidly converts to sugars, contributing to weight gain and elevated triglyceride levels.

Local Nigerian ofada rice or unpolished brown rice retains its outer bran layer. This outer shell delivers heavy doses of insoluble and soluble fiber, vitamin B complexes, and magnesium, a vital mineral that relaxes blood vessels and stabilizes blood pressure.

When preparing ofada rice, rinse it thoroughly to remove natural debris, boil it with a moderate amount of salt, and serve it alongside a fresh vegetable sauce packed with spinach or pumpkin leaves.

Swap packaged pastries and meat pies for roasted peanuts and garden eggs

Midday hunger often drives workers in commercial hubs like Lagos, Ibadan, and Abuja toward quick fast-food pastries such as meat pies, sausage rolls, and puff-puff. These commercial baked and fried goods are packed with hydrogenated shortenings, white flour, and hidden trans fats that directly suppress good HDL cholesterol while elevating bad LDL levels.

Replace these pastry snacks with crisp garden eggs paired with natural groundnut paste, or a handful of plain roasted peanuts and walnuts. Garden eggs deliver abundant flavonoids and potassium, both of which support arterial elasticity and facilitate optimal lipid metabolism.

Carrying a small container of freshly washed garden eggs or raw walnuts to the office eliminates impulse purchases of roadside fried snacks while maintaining steady midday energy.

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle does not require abandoning local traditions or purchasing expensive foreign superfoods. By making consistent, deliberate ingredient adjustments in your everyday kitchen, you safeguard your cardiovascular system, lower your bad cholesterol levels, and preserve your health for years to come.

The Senatorial Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for Ondo Central Senatorial District, Sunday Oludare Falae, has assured the people of the district of purposeful, people-centred and effective representation at the National Assembly if elected in 2027.

Falae gave the assurance during a media chat with journalists in Akure, where he unveiled his vision for a new Ondo Central anchored on inclusive growth, economic diversification and massive youth empowerment.

According to him, his aspiration is not driven by personal ambition but by a genuine desire to give the senatorial district a quality voice at the Red Chamber.

‘I feel highly honoured to be in the race to represent the good people of Ondo Central Senatorial District. I see this opportunity as a rare privilege to serve, and I promise to represent the collective interest of our people with integrity, passion and commitment,’ he said.

The APM candidate disclosed that the well-being of the people will form the nucleus of his representation, stressing that he would never betray the confidence reposed in him by the electorate.

Falae, an engineer and grassroots mobiliser, said his legislative agenda will focus on creating policies that will diversify the local economy of the district with renewed emphasis on investments, productivity and job creation.

He noted that Ondo Central is blessed with abundant human and natural resources, hardworking farmers, enterprising youths and creative women, but what has been lacking is quality representation to harness these potentials and attract federal presence.

‘At this point in our constituency, we need quality representation. We need someone who will represent the people’s interest and not self. When I’m elected, our basic needs in this constituency will be thoroughly addressed,’ he declared.

‘This is not my personal race, and that is why I am counting on the support of everyone in Ondo Central, mostly the youths, women, elders, farmers, artisans and professionals. Together, we will build a senatorial district we will all be proud of.’

He added that his blueprint covers youth empowerment through skills acquisition and digital innovation, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, improved access to federal opportunities, and robust legislative advocacy for better infrastructure, education and healthcare delivery in the six local government areas of the district.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for Air Force personnel who died in the crash of a military plane today.

He also directed that flags should be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect to the officers.

President Tinubu had earlier, in a statement signed by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, expressed profound sadness over the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet.

The accident occurred near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.

‘This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,’ President Tinubu declared in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.

‘The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.

‘I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.’

The Air Force will release the officers’ names after contacting their families.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has received reports of an accident involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on 5 October 2026, expressing readiness to support the military with the investigation where required.

The NSIB said the Nigerian Air Force had confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred, adding that search and rescue operations had been activated and were ongoing in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

‘The Bureau extends its sincere condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and to the families and colleagues of all those on board. Our thoughts are with them and with the search and rescue teams working at the site.’

According to a statement signed by the Director-General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., the Bureau noted that it stood ready to assist the Nigerian Air Force, at its request, with whatever technical support might be required.

‘That support can include the deployment of investigators and the use of the Bureau’s Flight Safety Laboratory for the recovery, readout and analysis of flight recorder data.

‘As this occurrence involves a military aircraft, investigative responsibility rests with the Nigerian Air Force. The Bureau will provide assistance upon a formal request from the Air Force.

‘The NSIB commends the swift activation of search and rescue operations and the efforts of first responders at Igbokoda. The public is urged to rely exclusively on official updates from the Nigerian Air Force on the rescue operation and any investigation.

‘Further comment from the Bureau will be issued only as appropriate and in consultation with the Nigerian Air Force,’ the statement said.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated alcoholic beverages valued at about N300m packaged in sachets and plastic bottles below 200ml during enforcement operations across major markets in Lagos State.

The agency also arrested some distributors and retailers allegedly involved in the sale of the prohibited products during raids at Ile-Epo Market, Ojuwoye Market in Mushin and Oke-Arin Market on Lagos Island.

NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement posted on its Facebook page on Sunday, saying its officials removed several cartons of the banned alcoholic drinks from the affected markets.

According to the agency, some of the arrests were made during the operation at Ile-Epo Market, while enforcement teams also searched shops and outlets at the other two locations.

NAFDAC said its investigation indicated that some traders had been stockpiling the prohibited beverages amid increased demand and higher prices.

The agency said the exercise was aimed at enforcing the Federal Government’s ban on the production, sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml.

It warned traders and other businesses involved in the supply chain against continuing to deal in the banned products.

‘NAFDAC emphasises that the ban remains in force and warns distributors, retailers and other operators against the sale, distribution or hoarding of the prohibited products,’ the agency said.

It put the estimated value of the seized alcoholic beverages at N300m.

The latest enforcement action followed an earlier directive by NAFDAC for manufacturers of the affected products to recall them from circulation nationwide or face sanctions, including possible closure of their facilities.

The agency has maintained that the prohibition remains in force after the expiration of the grace period previously granted to manufacturers to discontinue production of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET or plastic bottles below 200ml.

NAFDAC said it would continue enforcement to ensure compliance with the ban.

Mixed reactions have continued to trail the emergence of Temitope Chigbue a.k.a Temi Nkem as winner of the 11th season of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show.

Temi was crowned winner of the ‘Show Ya Sef’ edition at the grand finale on Sunday, defeating Aikou, who emerged first runner-up, on Sunday in a closely contested final vote.

The official results showed that Temi pulled 25.87 per cent of the votes, while Aikou secured 23.68 per cent, giving Temi a 2.19 percentage-point margin.

Sheba finished as second runner-up with 9.80 per cent, while the remaining finalists shared the other votes.

The victory made Temi the fifth female winner in the history of BBNaija, after a 70-day competition that began with 24 housemates and featured weekly tasks, Head of House games, nominations and several twists.

The season was also notable for recording two disqualifications and a voluntary exit, making it the first BBNaija season to record all three developments in one edition.

Temi’s victory earned her a prize package valued at N160 million, comprising N90 million in cash, a brand-new SUV and other sponsored prizes.

Following the announcement, fans took to social media to express contrasting views, with some congratulating Temi while others questioned the outcome and argued that Aikou deserved the crown.

One user, @iamZephyr01, said Aikou would have made a better winner, arguing that Temi did not deserve the win in comparison with him.

The user also blamed Aikou’s supporters for what was described as an ineffective voting strategy, saying, ‘you guys gave Aikou the gambit and spoiled his game.’

Similarly, @brenda_odi23217 described Aikou as her preferred winner, saying he deserved the prize more than Temi.

‘Nigerians y’all better do better next year. Vote for the ones that truly deserve the money,’ she wrote.

Another user, @Fazemay05, criticised the outcome, saying Nigerians continued to allow ‘fake/razz people’ to win the reality show.

Questioning the show’s contribution to Nigeria, @ezekieledoso wrote: ‘So @BBNaija you carried someone from the UK to come and carry N160M worth of prizes in Naija, so how is this show supposed to support the local citizens? This is the last time I’ll watch or subscribe for this rubbish.’

The comment reflected a separate line of criticism over Temi’s residency in the United Kingdom and whether the show should prioritise contestants who are resident in Nigeria.

However, the post did not establish that Temi was ineligible to participate or that her victory breached any rule.

Some fans, however, celebrated Temi’s victory explaining that the show was to entertain the viewers and not for charitable purposes.

@Samue606 posted ‘Winner’ alongside a picture of Temi holding the N90 million winner’s cheque, while @lovezone234 congratulated her.

The voting process also came under scrutiny, with @Jubeeton calling for improvements to prevent contestants or their supporters from allegedly organising groups to influence voting.

‘I don’t know how… But you guys should improve in that voting aspect, so that someone inside cannot pay people to organise groups to vote for them,’ the user wrote.

Other reactions were critical of Temi’s victory, with @mrseun alleging that she had ‘stolen’ the win. The allegation was presented as the user’s opinion, and no evidence was provided to support it.

Meanwhile, @slaychichi7 made reference to Temi’s return to Nigeria, saying she came back ‘to take the money and go back.’

In spite of the criticism, @lovezone234 wrote, ‘Chakam. Congratulations Temi Nkem,’ while other supporters shared celebratory posts following her victory.

The divided reactions followed one of the closest finishes of the season, with only 2.19 percentage points separating Temi and Aikou in the final vote.

From the custard moment to the BB Bucks controversy in Biggie’s house, the kiss with Tram, the fake eviction and the awards that captured her unpredictable personality, Nkem’s 70-day journey ultimately ended with the one thing every housemate entered the Big Brother house hoping to achieve, the crown.

As the winner, Temi Nkem will go home with a ?160m prize package, comprising ?90m in cash, a brand-new SUV and other sponsored prizes.

Her victory also makes her the fifth female winner in BBNaija history, bringing an end to a journey that had included drama, laughter, controversy, romance, surprises and resilience.

The Federal Government has described healthcare as critical economic infrastructure, stressing that investments in health are investments in Nigeria’s human capital, productivity and long-term economic growth.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, stated this on Monday at the commissioning of NSIA-MedServe Diagnostic Centres in Bauchi and Ibadan, as part of the nationwide expansion of specialised healthcare infrastructure under the NSIA Healthcare Expansion Programme.

Oyedele said the significance of the investments goes beyond the facilities themselves, noting that a healthy population is better positioned to work, learn and contribute productively to the economy, while illness imposes substantial costs on households through medical bills, lost income and depleted savings.

He said the projects also demonstrate how government can use public capital to mobilise private and development financing for critical infrastructure.

‘Government budgets alone cannot meet Nigeria’s development needs. The question cannot only be how much government spends – it must also be how much private and development capital government can mobilise.’

The Minister commended the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank Group for their support to the programme, particularly through long-tenor, local-currency financing, which he described as appropriate for long-term assets whose revenues are earned in naira.

He said the model could be replicated across other priority sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, energy and housing.

Oyedele noted that the NSIA’s earlier healthcare investments had demonstrated significant demand for specialised medical services, with the MedServe-LUTH Cancer Centre having treated more than 16,700 patients, delivering over 30,000 radiotherapy sessions and 25,000 chemotherapy treatments, while diagnostic centres in Kano and Umuahia had served more than 410,000 patients by December 2025.

He said MedServe is now developing 23 new diagnostic centres nationwide, including three with oncology units and three with cardiac catheterisation laboratories, across two phases.

The Minister said the expansion of diagnostic services would bring specialised healthcare closer to Nigerians and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances or seek treatment abroad.

He also linked the investments to the Federal Government’s broader objective of reducing medical tourism and retaining more economic value within Nigeria.

‘Every procedure performed at home keeps value, jobs and expertise in our economy and eases pressure on foreign exchange,’ he said.

The Minister stressed that Nigeria’s ambition should extend beyond reducing outbound medical tourism to building a competitive healthcare economy capable of serving patients within Nigeria and across Africa.

He, however, emphasised that sustainable healthcare delivery requires more than buildings and equipment, highlighting the need to retain and continuously develop doctors, nurses, radiographers, laboratory scientists, technicians and other specialised healthcare professionals.

He further called for the development of domestic capacity in medical technology, equipment maintenance and pharmaceuticals to deepen Nigeria’s participation across the healthcare value chain.

According to Oyedele, the success of the investments should ultimately be measured by outcomes-not simply by the commissioning of facilities.

‘The real test is whether the equipment still works in ten years, whether we retain qualified staff, and whether patients are treated with dignity, diagnosed earlier and able to afford the care they receive.’

The Minister said the investments reflect the broader objective of the Federal Government’s economic reforms, which seek to translate macroeconomic stability into productive investment, improved public services and better living standards.

‘Macroeconomic stability is not the destination – it is the foundation. We are converting stability into investment, investment into services, and growth into better lives.’

He congratulated the NSIA and MedServe teams, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Bauchi and Oyo State Governments, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, the relevant healthcare institutions in Ibadan, the IFC and other partners for delivering the projects.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to partnerships that mobilise capital, strengthen critical infrastructure and translate economic reforms into measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Ms Wasilat Adegoke, has urged young people to harness technology and acquired skills to become self-reliant and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

Adegoke, who was represented by Mrs Funmilayo Oyeniran, made the call on Saturday in Ibadan during the graduation ceremony of the September cohort of the Shining Stars Global Impact Foundation (SSGIF) Tech Innovation Boot Camp.

She commended the foundation for supporting government efforts to equip young people with relevant skills to improve their employability and create opportunities for themselves and others.

‘This kind of initiative that equips youths with practical skills is essential for preparing them for the changing world of work and fostering economic independence,’ the commissioner said.

The founder of SSGIF, Dr Omokehinde Deji-Akinpelu, said the boot camp was designed to develop problem-solvers and future employers of labour.

She said the September cohort differed from previous editions as it combined technology training with soft skills and other areas, including communication, leadership, anti-drug awareness, physiotherapy, and sports.

According to her, 30 of the 36 participants admitted for the program completed training in artificial intelligence tools, graphic design, web development, content creation, and social media management.

‘I urge the graduates to be self-reliant, accountable, and responsible. The skills they have acquired will enable them to work remotely, even while studying, and provide support for their families,’ Deji-Akinpelu said.

She also called on the state government, organizations, and philanthropists to support the next cohort of the program.

Prof. Isaac Adebayo Adeyemi, former Vice-Chancellor of Bells University of Technology and member of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, described the initiative as a foundation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by information and communication technology and artificial intelligence.

The guest lecturer and CEO of KEC Group, Mr Kayode Adeleke, urged the graduates to turn their ideas into impact by addressing real community problems and developing scalable business models.

In a goodwill message, the Vice-Chancellor of Dominican University, Ibadan, Prof. Jacinta Opara, who was represented by Prof. Timothy Odiaka, urged the graduates to use their skills positively and shun cybercrime.

Also, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ibadan Branch, Mr Folarin Bello, advised the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, collaboration and service to society.

Bello also urged the foundation to partner with universities and industries to provide internship and mentorship opportunities for participants.

The ceremony featured participants’ feedback, presentation of awards and networking.

The beneficiaries of the boot camp included secondary school leavers, undergraduates and some National Youth Service Corps members.

An eyewitness, Oluboyo Olusola, who visited the scene of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo, on Monday, said he saw parts of the aircraft, human remains and personal effects scattered around the swampy area, with some bodies inside the water.

Olusola, who explained that the incident happened around 10 am, said difficult terrain made access to the crash site challenging, adding that it took the intervention of naval personnel in the area to eventually assist in reaching the area.

He said although he did not witness the aircraft crash, the deafening sound alerted residents of the community, adding that what he saw at the scene suggested that there might be no survivors among those on board.

He explained that ‘We heard a loud noise like thunder and rushed to the scene, only to discover that it was an aircraft crash. Initially we thought it was an helicopter but later understood it was an aircraft.

‘It was difficult to access the terrain, but with the assistance of some naval officers, we were able to get there and saw the remains of the aircraft, as well as human remains, clothes, shoes, and other personal effects.

‘Some of the bodies were also inside the water. From what I saw, it appeared that there was no survivor,’

Also speaking with our reporter, the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, said he was in court when the incident occurred and immediately directed some of his palace aides to visit the crash site.

The traditional ruler said he initially feared that the aircraft might have been a commercial passenger plane because of the potentially high number of casualties.

He said: ‘I was in court when the incident happened, and I directed some of my palace officials to visit the site. At that time, nobody could determine whether it was an aircraft or a helicopter.

‘I was worried because it must not be a plane, because the number of casualties would be just too high.

‘Our first thanks to Almighty God is that it did not happen inside the town; otherwise, the casualties would have been too many, but we sympathised with the families of the victims.

‘The aircraft crashed into the river and a swampy area. It was raining when the incident happened, and the place was waterlogged.

‘The aircraft did not catch fire, but a substantial part of it has gone into the water.

‘We cannot describe the exact situation for now, but from my investigation and what we have gathered so far, there was no survivor.’

The aircraft, an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when it crashed in a swampy area opposite the Naval Base in the Igbokoda area of the state.

The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

The crash threw the coastal community into panic as residents, security personnel and emergency responders moved towards the scene.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed the accident and said it had immediately activated a search and rescue operation.

In a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said the search and rescue operation was being conducted in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

The NAF said further details would be communicated as the operation progressed.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft.

The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Hon. Maurice Oripelaye, who earlier confirmed the incident, said military equipment was recovered from the crash site.

Oripelaye, however, said it was too early to establish the number of casualties, adding that the aircraft had been badly damaged.

The Ondo State Police Command also confirmed the crash and urged residents to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information.

In a statement signed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Abayomi Jimoh, the command said details of the incident were still emerging as authorities worked to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.

The command assured members of the public that credible information would be released as soon as it became available.

Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has expressed sadness over the incident and directed relevant state agencies to provide full support for the ongoing search and rescue operation.

The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said he had been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Ilaje council chairman and security agencies on the ground.

Aiyedatiwa directed the State Emergency Management Agency, Ministry of Health and relevant security agencies to immediately mobilise logistical and human support for the NAF and other emergency response agencies involved in the operation.

He also ordered that the crash site be cordoned off and secured to ensure unhindered rescue operations.

The governor expressed sympathy to the Chief of Air Staff, the Nigerian Air Force family and the families of the passengers and personnel on board.

He urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm, cooperate with emergency responders and refrain from circulating unverified reports.

As of press time, the official casualty figure had yet to be released, while search and rescue operations continued at the crash site, and the cause of the crash also remained unknown.