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NAF Crash: Aiyedatiwa Orders Fumigation of Igbokoda River Over Pollution Fears
The Ondo governor orders emergency environmental and health measures following complaints about a foul smell near the site of the October 5 aircraft crash.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the fumigation of the Igbokoda River following complaints from residents about a strong stench after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crashed in the area last week.
The directive was announced on Wednesday, October 14, by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, who said the Ministries of Environment and Health had been instructed to begin an extensive fumigation exercise to minimise potential health risks and prevent a possible disease outbreak.
The intervention follows concerns among residents of Igbokoda, in Ilaje Local Government Area, over possible contamination of the waterway after the October 5 crash.
Government Plans Emergency Water Supply
Aiyedatiwa also directed the Ilaje Local Government Council to arrange water tankers to supply clean drinking water to residents if laboratory assessments establish that the river is severely polluted and unsafe for use.
The temporary water supply arrangement is expected to remain in place until appropriate measures are taken to address any confirmed contamination.
The governor further ordered the distribution of nose masks and other essential health kits, particularly to people living close to the crash site, as a precaution against possible environmental and public health hazards.
Residents had expressed fears that decomposing human remains and aviation fuel from the wreckage could affect the river. However, the extent of any contamination has not been established by laboratory findings reported in the available accounts.
River Supports Local Livelihoods
The Igbokoda River is an important resource for the coastal community, supporting fishing and other domestic activities. Concerns about its safety have therefore raised questions about both public health and the livelihoods of residents who depend on the waterway.
The state government’s response is intended to address residents’ immediate concerns while assessments determine whether the river has been contaminated and what further action may be required.
NAF Crash Killed 25 People
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area on October 5 while travelling from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos on a routine mission.
The Air Force subsequently confirmed that 25 people were on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. No survivors were found.
The crash prompted search-and-recovery operations involving the Nigerian Air Force and other relevant authorities. The recovery effort has continued amid concerns about the environmental impact of the wreckage and the strong smell reported near the site.
Governor Pledges Support for Recovery Operations
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed the Ondo State Government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force’s recovery and evacuation operations.
He said the government would take further action where necessary to protect residents and safeguard public health.
The authorities’ next steps will depend partly on the findings of environmental assessments and whether the river is confirmed to be unsafe for domestic use.