By Charles Olewezi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Thursday, acknowledged the concerns expressed by residents of Igbokoda, Ondo State, particularly reports of an offensive odour and fears of possible environmental impact following the NAF ATR-42 aircraft crash in the swamp opposite the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the community.
All 25 people on board the aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, were killed in the crash.
The aircraft sank into the swamp, prompting search and recovery operations involving military personnel and other emergency agencies. However, efforts to recover the wreckage and victims’ bodies have been hampered by the difficult terrain.
Excavation work is ongoing at the crash site, with additional machinery being deployed to remove the remaining parts of the aircraft.
In a statement, NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Service “recognises the discomfort, anxiety and uncertainty such circumstances may cause and assures the affected community that their concerns are being taken seriously.
“While search and recovery operations remain ongoing, the NAF continues to work in coordination with relevant partner agencies to ensure the safe and orderly recovery of the wreckage.
“Upon completion of the recovery operation, the NAF will engage with the appropriate environmental and public health authorities and other relevant agencies to assess the situation and coordinate appropriate action to address any identified environmental concerns.
“The NAF remains concerned about the wellbeing of the affected community and is committed to constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure that appropriate measures are taken in the interest of public health, safety and environmental wellbeing.”
This is just as the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered the immediate fumigation of the Igbokoda River, following complaints from residents about a foul odour after the NAF aircraft crash.
The Governor also directed the provision of potable water and the distribution of nose masks and other essential health kits to residents amid concerns about possible water contamination and public health risks.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, in a statement on Wednesday, said the Ministries of Environment and Health had been directed to begin extensive fumigation of the river to prevent a possible outbreak of diseases.
The intervention followed complaints about a strong stench from the river, which serves as a major source of water and livelihood for residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities.
In the statement, Ajanaku said the Governor had also directed the Ilaje Local Government Area to arrange water tankers for the continuous distribution of potable water if assessments established that the river was severely polluted and unsuitable for use.
“Following complaints by residents of Igbokoda over the strong stench emanating from the river where the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed last week, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed the Ministries of Environment and Health to commence extensive fumigation of the river.
“The directive is aimed at preventing a possible outbreak of diseases, as the river serves as a major source of livelihood for residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities.
“The Governor also directed the Ilaje Local Government to arrange water tankers for the continuous distribution of potable water to residents if the river is found to be severely polluted and unsuitable for use,” the statement read.
Ajanaku said the water supply arrangement would remain in place until a lasting solution to the pollution was implemented.
He added that the Governor had directed the Ministries of Health and Environment to distribute nose masks and other essential health kits to residents to protect them from potential health hazards.
The Commissioner also reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing recovery operations and safeguarding the welfare and safety of residents in the affected community.