Ondo Air Crash: Governor Orders River Fumigation as Residents Fear Health Risks

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the fumigation of Igbokoda River and the distribution of health kits to residents following concerns about possible environmental contamination after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed in the community.

The directive comes amid growing anxiety in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, where residents have complained of a persistent foul odour around the crash site and raised concerns about the safety of their water sources.

The aircraft crashed on October 5, 2026, and recovery efforts have been complicated by the swampy terrain. Nine days after the incident, the remains of the 25 victims and parts of the wreckage were still unrecovered, according to reports on the ongoing operation.

The monarch of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, has appealed to the Federal and Ondo State governments to accelerate recovery efforts, warning that decomposing human remains and suspected aviation fuel pollution could pose serious environmental and public health concerns.

Residents have reported that the smell has spread beyond the immediate crash site. Some have also expressed worries about obtaining clean water for domestic activities, including cooking.

The concerns have increased pressure on the authorities to recover the remaining victims and aircraft debris while assessing the extent of possible contamination and determining the necessary clean-up measures.

Ondo State Commissioner for Environment Tob Loko said the state government was working with the Federal Government to evaluate the environmental impact and establish appropriate decontamination measures. He confirmed that a state delegation had visited the community for an assessment after the crash.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has intensified its search and recovery operations and constituted a 12-member board to investigate the incident. The investigation is expected to examine the technical, operational, environmental and human factors surrounding the crash, as well as the emergency response.

The incident has also prompted calls for greater scrutiny of military aviation safety. The Senate has demanded a comprehensive audit of the Air Force’s aircraft fleet and maintenance funding, while the House of Representatives has called for an independent investigation into the crash.

The lawmakers have urged the authorities to examine aircraft serviceability, maintenance spending and operational procedures, with the aim of identifying possible weaknesses and preventing similar tragedies.

For residents of Igbokoda, however, the immediate priority remains the recovery of the victims and the protection of the community from potential environmental hazards. The ordered fumigation and distribution of health kits are intended to address some of the concerns as authorities continue assessing the situation.

The cause of the crash has not been officially established, and the Air Force has cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation is completed.

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