The traditional ruler of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, has appealed to the Federal and Ondo State governments to speed up efforts to recover the remains of victims of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in the community.
The monarch’s appeal follows growing concerns among residents over the unpleasant smell around the crash site and possible environmental pollution linked to the October 5, 2026, incident.
The Nigerian Air Force aircraft, an ATR-42, crashed into a swampy area of Igbokoda while travelling from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos. All 25 people on board were reported dead.
Speaking about the situation, Odidiomo said the continued presence of unrecovered human remains in the river had caused distress among residents, particularly those living close to the affected area.
He also expressed concern about suspected aviation fuel contamination, warning that the situation could affect the river and the surrounding environment.
According to the monarch, residents who depend on nearby water sources for domestic activities are increasingly worried about the availability of safe water for cooking and other household needs.
He called on the authorities to intensify search-and-recovery operations, remove the remaining aircraft wreckage and human remains, and begin an immediate environmental clean-up.
Odidiomo stressed that coordinated action by the federal and state governments was necessary to protect residents and prevent further environmental and public health concerns.
Ondo Government Assesses Environmental Impact
The Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, said the state government was collaborating with the Federal Government to address the situation.
Loko explained that a state delegation had visited the area shortly after the crash to assess the environmental impact and support the response.
He noted that the recovery operation remained ongoing, with the state government providing assistance to the relevant federal authorities.
The commissioner added that officials were assessing the extent of possible contamination and its implications for public health to determine the appropriate clean-up and decontamination measures.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and said the government was working to establish the extent of the environmental damage and identify suitable interventions.
Residents Seek Immediate Intervention
The monarch’s concerns reflect growing anxiety among residents over the persistent odour and the possibility that the crash may have affected local water sources.
Community members have urged the authorities to accelerate recovery efforts and take practical steps to protect people living near the site.
They have also called for the provision of safe water and appropriate environmental measures while operations continue.
The incident has placed renewed attention on the need for an effective emergency response, particularly in communities where rivers and other water sources support daily domestic activities and livelihoods.
The recovery operation is being handled by the relevant authorities, while the Nigerian Air Force has announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The authorities are expected to determine the cause of the accident and establish appropriate measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
