Residents of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have raised concerns about their safety following complaints of a strong odour around the site of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash.
The concerns emerged after the October 5 crash, which occurred in a swampy area of the community while the aircraft was travelling from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that all 25 people aboard the aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the incident.
Recovery operations have reportedly faced difficulties because of the swampy terrain and the aircraft’s position in the water.
Residents have complained about the unpleasant smell around the crash site and expressed fears that the incident could affect the surrounding environment.
The community’s dependence on local waterways for fishing and other daily activities has heightened concerns about possible contamination.
The Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, has called for faster recovery operations and an environmental clean-up to address residents’ concerns.
In response, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa directed the state ministries responsible for health and the environment to begin fumigation measures and distribute nose masks and other health supplies to residents.
The governor also directed the Ilaje Local Government Council to arrange water tankers to provide clean drinking water if assessments establish that the river is severely polluted and unsuitable for use.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has constituted a 12-member board to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
Although the government has announced precautionary measures, the extent of any environmental contamination remains unclear based on the reports reviewed.
Residents are awaiting clear information from environmental and health authorities on the condition of the river, whether water-quality tests are being conducted and what measures are needed to protect the community.
The incident highlights the importance of timely recovery operations, environmental assessments and transparent communication when an accident raises concerns about the safety and livelihoods of nearby communities.
