Residents of Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, have expressed concern over a persistent foul smell and suspected environmental pollution following the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in the community.
The traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, has appealed to the Federal and Ondo State governments to speed up efforts to recover the remains of victims still believed to be trapped in the river and surrounding swamp.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed into a swampy area of Igbokoda on Monday, October 5, 2026, while undertaking a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos. The aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. No survivors were reported.
Speaking about the situation, the monarch said the community had been enduring an unbearable stench since the incident. He attributed the odour to human remains that had yet to be recovered from the crash site.
He also raised concerns about possible contamination of the river by aviation fuel spilled during the accident, noting that traces of fuel could be seen on the water some distance from the crash location.
According to him, the suspected pollution has made it difficult for residents to access clean water for their daily needs, including cooking and other domestic activities.
Oba Odidiomo urged the relevant authorities to intensify recovery operations, remove the remaining human remains and aircraft debris, and commence an urgent environmental clean-up to prevent further harm to the community.
Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, said the state government was working alongside the Federal Government to address the situation.
He explained that a delegation had been sent to the affected community shortly after the crash to assess the environmental impact and support recovery efforts.
The commissioner noted that recovery operations were continuing, with the state government providing assistance in collaboration with federal authorities and other relevant agencies.
Loko also acknowledged concerns about pollution, stating that the government was assessing the extent of the contamination and its possible implications for public health.
He said the assessment would help determine the appropriate decontamination measures needed to address the situation and protect residents.
The commissioner stressed that the government was undertaking a broader evaluation of the environmental and public health consequences of the crash, with the aim of responding as quickly as possible.
The incident has heightened concerns about the safety and welfare of residents who depend on the surrounding waterways for their livelihoods and domestic needs.
Residents are now looking to the authorities for urgent intervention, particularly the recovery of the victims’ remains, the assessment and clean-up of the affected environment, and measures to ensure access to safe water while recovery operations continue.
