Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered river fumigation and the distribution of nose masks and other health kits in Igbokoda after residents complained of a foul smell from the site of the October 5 Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash. Water tanker supplies will depend on environmental assessments.
The Ondo State Government has ordered extensive fumigation of the river at Igbokoda and the distribution of nose masks and other health kits to residents following complaints about a strong stench from the site of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft crash.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa directed the state Ministries of Environment and Health to begin the intervention as a precaution against a possible outbreak of disease in the coastal community.
The directives were disclosed in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, following growing concerns among residents about the environmental and public health implications of the October 5 crash.
Ondo Plans Conditional Water Supply
The governor also directed the Ilaje Local Government Council to arrange tankers for the distribution of potable water if environmental assessments establish that the river is severely polluted and unsuitable for use.
According to reports, the proposed water supply arrangement would remain in place pending a lasting intervention to address any confirmed pollution.
The river is an important resource for Igbokoda and neighbouring communities, where residents rely on the waterway for livelihood and other activities.
Residents Raise Pollution Concerns
Residents have complained about the persistent foul smell around the crash site and expressed concern about possible contamination. Reports from the community have also raised questions about the recovery of human remains and possible traces of aviation fuel in the water.
However, the extent of any contamination should be established through environmental assessment and appropriate testing. The reported stench, on its own, does not establish the level or nature of pollution.
Crash Investigation and Recovery Efforts
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on October 5 while travelling from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.
The Air Force subsequently confirmed that all 25 people on board—20 passengers and five crew members—died in the incident. The service has announced an investigation into the circumstances and cause of the crash, alongside continuing recovery efforts.
Public Health and Environmental Monitoring
The state government’s measures are intended to address immediate concerns while authorities assess potential risks to residents. The effectiveness of the response will depend on timely environmental checks, clear public guidance and appropriate action if contamination is confirmed.
Residents should follow advice from relevant health and environmental authorities, particularly regarding the use of water from the affected river, until official assessments clarify whether it is safe.
The incident underscores the importance of coordinated emergency response and transparent communication when an accident threatens a waterway relied upon by a local community.
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