Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the immediate fumigation of the river in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, following concerns about possible pollution after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crashed into a nearby swamp, killing all 25 people on board.
The governor has also directed the provision of potable water to residents if assessments confirm that the river is severely polluted and unsafe for domestic use. The intervention is aimed at protecting public health and preventing a possible disease outbreak in the coastal community.
The development follows complaints from residents over a strong stench emanating from the river, which serves as a major source of water and livelihood for people in Igbokoda and neighbouring communities.
NAF Plane Crash Raises Health Concerns in Igbokoda
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when it crashed into a swamp near the Nigerian Air Force Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda last Monday.
All 25 people aboard the aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, were killed in the incident.
The aircraft sank into the swamp, triggering search and recovery operations involving military personnel and other emergency agencies. However, efforts to recover the wreckage and the victims’ bodies have been hampered by the difficult terrain.
Excavation work is ongoing at the crash site, with additional machinery being deployed to assist in removing the remaining parts of the aircraft.
The incident has heightened concerns among residents who depend on the river for drinking water, cooking, fishing and other daily activities.
Igbokoda Residents Fear River Contamination
The traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, said the crash had disrupted residents’ access to the river, leaving many worried about the safety of their water supply.
The monarch told The Nation that the river was central to daily life in the community and warned that suspected contamination could pose a serious public health risk.
“That is the water we fetch to cook. It is the water we drink from. It is the water we use for our day-to-day life. And if it is polluted today, the stench comes from dead bodies. It has infested the water,” he said.
The concerns have increased pressure on the state government to provide alternative water sources while relevant authorities assess the river’s condition.
Ondo Government Directs Fumigation, Water Tanker Distribution
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, disclosed that Aiyedatiwa had directed the state Ministries of Environment and Health to begin extensive fumigation of the river.
According to the commissioner, the measure is intended to prevent a possible outbreak of diseases following complaints about the strong odour coming from the waterway.
The governor also directed the Ilaje Local Government Area to arrange water tankers for the continuous distribution of potable water if assessments establish that the river is severely polluted and unsuitable for use.
The state government said the alternative water supply arrangement would remain in place until a lasting intervention addresses the pollution concerns.
Residents to Receive Nose Masks, Essential Health Kits
Ajanaku further stated that the governor had instructed the Ministries of Health and Environment to distribute nose masks and other essential health kits to residents.
The measure is intended to help protect people in the affected community from potential health hazards associated with the incident.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to providing the Nigerian Air Force with the necessary support for ongoing aircraft evacuation and recovery operations.
It added that the welfare and safety of residents in Igbokoda remained a priority as efforts continued at the crash site.
Public Health Response Continues After Aircraft Crash
The immediate priority for residents is access to safe drinking water while authorities assess the river and determine the appropriate response to possible contamination.
The governor’s directives cover river fumigation, alternative water supplies where necessary, and the distribution of protective health materials.
Further assessments will be crucial in determining the extent of any pollution and the measures required to restore the community’s confidence in its water source.
For now, residents remain concerned about the impact of the crash on their daily lives, particularly their access to water and fishing activities, as recovery operations continue in the coastal community.
SEO Note: The river’s contamination has been reported as a concern, but the account does not establish that laboratory testing has confirmed pollution. The article therefore distinguishes residents’ fears from confirmed findings.