Residents of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have raised concerns over foul odour, possible water contamination and public health risks more than a week after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed into a swamp in the community.
The ATR-42 aircraft, which was reportedly flying from Benin City to Lagos, crashed on October 5, killing all 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft submerged in a swamp near the Air Force Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, prompting a joint search and recovery operation involving security agencies and emergency responders.
Community leaders and residents told Vanguard that the crash site remained a source of concern, alleging that decomposing human remains and aviation fuel spillage had contributed to environmental pollution.
The Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, said the offensive odour had spread to residential areas, adding that body parts were still being sighted in the river and traces of fuel had been observed around the crash site.
The monarch appealed to the Federal Government, Ondo State Government and the Nigerian Air Force to intensify recovery efforts, remove the remaining human remains and wreckage, contain any fuel spillage and undertake a comprehensive environmental clean-up.
He also called for the immediate provision of safe drinking water to residents while recovery and remediation operations continued, citing concerns over the river’s use for domestic purposes.
A resident, Omogbemi Damola, said the foul odour had persisted for days and was being carried into homes by the breeze. She urged the authorities to expedite recovery efforts and address the stench to prevent further distress in the community.
Another resident, Oroyo Levy, described the situation as a public health concern, particularly for children, and called for urgent measures to contain possible pollution and assess its environmental impact.
Residents also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and relevant environmental authorities to intervene and prevent potential health complications arising from the incident.
Reacting, the Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, said the state government was working with the Federal Government to maximise recovery efforts and assess the environmental and public health implications of the crash.
Loko acknowledged that the surrounding area was likely contaminated but said the government was conducting a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of the pollution and the appropriate decontamination measures.
He, however, disputed claims that residents had been left without drinking water, explaining that boreholes were available in the area. He also said the crash site was about 500 metres from the main residential area.
The commissioner maintained that the government was not ruling out pollution concerns and was working to address the situation as quickly as possible.
