By Asaye Bankole
Residents of Igbokoda raise the alarm over foul odours and possible water contamination following the crash that killed 25 people, prompting the state government to order urgent environmental assessments.
The Ondo State Government has ordered the fumigation of the river around the site of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, following complaints from residents about a persistent foul odour and fears of possible environmental contamination.
The government has also directed the provision of clean drinking water to affected residents if investigations confirm that the river is severely polluted and unsafe for domestic use.
In addition, nose masks and other essential health supplies are to be distributed to protect residents against potential health risks.
The directives followed growing concerns over the condition of the swamp where the NAF ATR-42 aircraft crashed on October 5, killing all 25 people on board, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members.
The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed into a swamp near the Nigerian Air Force Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda.
More than a week after the incident, residents complained that the offensive smell from the crash site had spread to surrounding residential areas.
Some also reported seeing human remains floating in the water, raising concerns about the possible effects on public health and the environment.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the state government said Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa had directed the Ministries of Environment and Health to commence extensive fumigation of the affected river to reduce potential health risks and prevent a possible disease outbreak.
The governor also instructed the Ilaje Local Government authorities to arrange water tankers for the continuous distribution of potable water if the river is confirmed to be severely contaminated and unsuitable for domestic use.
According to the statement, the arrangement will remain in place until a lasting solution is implemented to address the environmental concerns.
The Ministries of Health and Environment were also directed to provide nose masks and other essential health kits to residents of the affected community.
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force in its ongoing recovery operations while ensuring the safety and welfare of people living in the area.
Traditional Ruler Raises Alarm Over Human Remains
The Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, had earlier expressed concern over the strong odour emanating from the crash site, saying it had spread into residential areas and made life increasingly difficult for residents.
The monarch alleged that several human remains were still in the river and that some bodies had decomposed, worsening the situation.
He warned that the condition of the affected waterway could pose serious environmental and public-health concerns, particularly because residents rely on the river for various domestic and economic activities.
Odidiomo appealed to the relevant authorities to intensify recovery operations, remove any remaining human remains and aircraft debris, contain possible fuel spills and carry out comprehensive environmental remediation.
He said residents were increasingly worried about using the water for cooking, bathing and other household purposes, urging the government to take urgent action to address their concerns.
Residents Fear Possible Health Risks
Residents of Igbokoda have also expressed concern about the persistent smell, which they said had been carried by the breeze into their homes.
One resident, Omogbemi Damola, described the situation as distressing, explaining that she had continued to perceive unpleasant odours in her home for several days after the crash.
Damola said the smell had become noticeable even in houses located away from the immediate crash site, adding to residents’ anxiety about the possible environmental consequences of the incident.
Another resident, Oroyo Levy, described the situation as a potential public-health concern, particularly for children and other vulnerable members of the community.
Levy appealed to the government to act swiftly to contain the odour and assess possible health risks, expressing concern that the situation could affect residents if the underlying environmental problems were not addressed promptly.
The residents also called on the National Emergency Management Agency, the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency and relevant environmental authorities to intervene and ensure that the aftermath of the crash did not develop into a wider public-health emergency.
Government Begins Environmental Assessment
The Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, said the state government was working with the Federal Government to intensify recovery operations and determine the extent of possible environmental contamination.
Loko explained that authorities were conducting a comprehensive assessment to establish the potential impact of the crash on public health and identify the appropriate measures required to decontaminate the affected area.
He acknowledged that the surrounding environment had been contaminated by the incident and said the government was examining the necessary steps to address the situation.
However, the commissioner disputed claims that residents had been left without access to drinking water, noting that boreholes were available within the community.
He also said the crash site was approximately 500 metres from the main residential area, arguing that the claim that the community had been deprived of drinking water required further assessment.
Nevertheless, Loko stressed that the government was not ruling out the possibility of pollution and that the findings of the environmental investigation would guide subsequent interventions.
The state government’s response comes amid growing calls for the prompt recovery of remaining victims and debris, proper assessment of the affected waterway and the implementation of measures to protect residents from potential environmental and health hazards.
Authorities are expected to use the ongoing assessment to determine the extent of contamination and the most appropriate measures for cleaning up the affected area.
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