By Ayomide Otitoju
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has directed the state ministries of Environment and Health to begin extensive fumigation of a river in Igbokoda following residents’ complaints about a strong stench after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed in the area.
The directive is aimed at preventing potential disease outbreaks, as the river serves as a major source of livelihood for residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities.
Aiyedatiwa also directed the authorities of Ilaje Local Government Area to arrange water tankers to supply potable water to residents if assessments confirm that the river is severely polluted and unsafe for use.
The governor further instructed the relevant ministries to distribute nose masks and other essential health kits to residents to protect them from potential health risks.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, is to remain at the location pending a lasting intervention to address the reported pollution.
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing search and recovery operations, while ensuring the safety and welfare of residents in the affected community.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, crashed on October 5, 2026, while reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.
The aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The occupants had yet to be located as of the latest update provided.
On Tuesday, the Nigerian Air Force established a 12-member board of inquiry to investigate the circumstances and causes of the crash and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, ordered sustained search and recovery operations alongside a comprehensive investigation.
Air Vice Marshal FO Ankeli will lead the board, while Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, will coordinate the wider response.
The board includes specialists in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance and medical services, alongside representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
The Air Force said the investigation would examine operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors that may have contributed to the crash.
