The Ondo State Government has ordered emergency measures to protect residents of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area from potential health and environmental hazards following the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in the community.
The ATR-42 aircraft, which was travelling from Benin City to Lagos, crashed into a swamp near the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda on October 5, killing all 25 people on board.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has directed the Ministries of Environment and Health to fumigate the river around the crash site following reports of a foul smell and concerns over possible contamination from decomposing human remains and aviation fuel.
The government also plans to distribute nose masks and other health kits to residents, while the Ilaje Local Government has been directed to provide water tankers for the supply of potable water if tests confirm that the river is unsafe for domestic use.
The measures follow appeals by the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, and residents over reports of body parts still floating in the river more than a week after the crash.
Residents have expressed fears that the situation could expose the riverine community to waterborne diseases and other environmental hazards, while concerns have also been raised over the possible impact on aquatic life.
Meanwhile, efforts to recover the remaining wreckage of the aircraft are ongoing, with the operation entering its ninth day.
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Aiyedatiwa on Emergency Response and Safety Enforcement, Mr Wellington Adebawo, disclosed this in an interview with Orange FM.
Mr Adebawo said the recovery operation involved the National Emergency Management Agency, the state Ministry of Environment, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the Federal Fire Service, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other relevant agencies.
He also confirmed that several bodies had been recovered from the crash site.
The SSA said the government was taking steps to address residents’ complaints about the foul odour and concerns over possible water pollution arising from the incident.
Governor Aiyedatiwa has assured residents that his administration will continue to support recovery efforts while prioritising their health, safety and wellbeing.
