Residents of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have called on the Federal and state governments to urgently clean up the environment following a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash that has left the community grappling with a foul stench and fears of water pollution. The traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, appealed for faster recovery of the victims’ remains and aircraft wreckage, warning that decomposing human remains in the river were causing an unbearable odour. The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed into a swamp near Igbokoda on October 5, 2026, with 25 people reportedly on board. Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had earlier stated that there were no confirmed survivors as recovery operations continued.The monarch expressed concern that aviation fuel from the wreckage may have contaminated the surrounding water, which residents depend on for domestic activities. He said traces of fuel could be seen on the river some distance from the crash site and warned that the pollution could further threaten the community’s access to clean water. The situation has raised fears among residents who rely on the waterway for their daily needs and livelihoods, including fishing. Other residents have also reported that the unpleasant smell has spread into residential areas, increasing concerns about possible environmental and public health consequences. Community leaders have therefore urged authorities to recover the remaining human remains, contain any fuel spillage and provide alternative sources of safe drinking water while the cleanup is carried out.Responding to the concerns, Ondo State Commissioner for Environment Tob Loko said the state government was working with the Federal Government to assess the environmental impact and support recovery efforts. He explained that a delegation had been sent to the affected community shortly after the incident to evaluate the situation, adding that authorities were examining the extent of the pollution and its potential effects on public health. Loko acknowledged that the surrounding area had been contaminated and said the government was considering appropriate decontamination measures. Meanwhile, recovery operations at the crash site remain a priority, with residents insisting that urgent environmental remediation must accompany the search for victims and aircraft debris to protect the community from further harm.
