Nine days after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, the wreckage and remains of the 25 victims are yet to be recovered, raising concerns over possible public health risks and environmental pollution.
Residents have complained of an offensive stench around the crash site, prompting calls for urgent intervention by the Federal and Ondo State governments.
The monarch of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, has appealed to the authorities to expedite recovery operations and commence an environmental clean-up.
The NAF ATR-42 aircraft crashed on October 5, 2026, during a routine mission. Despite the deployment of sonar buoys and amphibious buggies, recovery efforts have yet to yield any results.
Oba Odidiomo said the smell, which he attributed to decomposing human remains in the river, had become unbearable. He also expressed concern over possible contamination from aviation fuel reportedly seen on the water.
The monarch warned that the situation could compromise residents’ access to clean water for domestic purposes, including cooking, and urged the authorities to act swiftly.
Responding, the Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tob Loko, said the state government was collaborating with the Federal Government to assess the environmental impact of the crash.
Loko explained that a state government delegation had been dispatched to the area shortly after the incident to evaluate the situation, while residents and other emergency responders had joined the recovery efforts.
He said the government was assessing the extent of possible contamination and its implications for public health to determine the appropriate decontamination measures.
The commissioner acknowledged that no bodies had been recovered despite the ongoing operations, describing the situation as a major concern requiring urgent attention.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force says it has intensified search and recovery operations and constituted a 12-member board to investigate the crash.
The Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, had directed sustained recovery efforts alongside a comprehensive investigation.
According to the statement, Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe is leading the Investigation and Recovery Team, while Air Vice Marshal F.O. Ankeli heads the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board.
The board comprises specialists in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance and medical services. Representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau are also members.
It is expected to examine the operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors surrounding the crash, preserve relevant evidence and establish its immediate and underlying causes.
The board will also assess the emergency response, including search and rescue operations, medical assistance, recovery efforts and management of the crash site, before recommending measures to prevent a recurrence.
The Air Force has cautioned against speculation over the cause of the crash, noting that conclusions would be drawn after the investigation is completed in line with established aviation safety procedures.
It also announced a dedicated helpline at its headquarters, under the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs, to provide information and clarification to the victims’ next of kin.
The NAF added that arrangements were being made to meet with affected families and provide support as they mourn their loved ones.
Meanwhile, the Senate has called for a comprehensive audit of the Nigerian Air Force’s aircraft fleet and maintenance funding, while the House of Representatives has demanded an independent investigation into the October 5 crash.
