Ondo Military Crash: Igbokoda Residents Decry Persistent Odour, Pollution Impact

More than two weeks after a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft went down in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, local inhabitants are still grappling with the aftermath, reporting a pervasive foul stench, suspected water contamination, and significant setbacks to their fishing livelihoods. The community asserts that the incident has severely hampered their daily social and economic routines, calling on both the federal and Ondo State administrations to accelerate efforts for a thorough clean-up of the affected vicinity. The crash, which claimed the lives of at least 25 individuals aboard the military plane, has seen military teams continuously working to retrieve human remains and aircraft debris from the site.

In response to widespread complaints concerning the offensive odour, the Ondo State Government affirmed its initiation of clean-up operations in the affected zone to mitigate potential environmental hazards. Mr. Tobi Loco, the Commissioner for Environment, acknowledged the ecological worries expressed by the riverine community, confirming that measures had been set in motion to fumigate the area to avert a potential health crisis. He elaborated, stating, “When the incident happened, there was some level of contamination because our efforts to recover the passengers who were on board were not successful. Up till now, we have not been able to recover a full body. All that we could get were body parts, and some of them have yet to be recovered. So, that is a clear signal that there is serious decomposition attracting microorganisms to the site. Don’t forget that when the crash occurred, the possibility of aviation fuel contaminating the surroundings and the water in that locality, as well as volatile organic compounds polluting the water, cannot be ruled out. So, when the people say they perceive an offensive odour, these are possible pollutants. Nobody can discount the possibility of such an occurrence.”

Commissioner Loco further detailed the government's strategy: “That is why we are mobilising to the site for an assessment. We are going to assess the level of contamination that has taken place. As a matter of fact, we are going to undertake air quality and water quality tests to determine precisely the level of contamination. When we return, we will carry out what I will call decontamination, so that the people living in that vicinity and its environment can have a breath of fresh air, with their means of livelihood, which is the water, protected and purified for normal use.”

Despite the government's assurances, residents maintain that the promised fumigation operation has not yet commenced. They express deep concern that the suspected pollution is adversely impacting their water sources and disrupting their primary occupation, fishing. Mr. Festus Ikumola, a local fisherman, corroborated this, stating that the government had failed to initiate the clean-up and that the crash had severely harmed his trade. He lamented, “They said they would begin fumigation, but nothing has been happening. We are only seeing the military and the police at the scene of the incident trying to recover the crashed plane, but they don’t allow civilians near the area. We want to appeal to the government to carry out the fumigation as promised. This is taking too long. They should not allow an outbreak of disease in this community.” Regarding the fishing decline, Ikumola added, “We don’t see as many fish to catch again. I think the water is no longer conducive for them because of pollution. The incident has seriously affected our business.”

Another resident, who simply gave his name as Biodun, reinforced these claims, confirming the persistent foul smell and urging the government to escalate its intervention efforts. According to Biodun, “I have not seen any government official in the area, and we still perceive some odour. It would be better for the government to do the needful before the situation gets worse.”

Countering these reports, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, asserted that the government remains committed to its environmental sanitation drive. Ajanaku stated, “The efforts are ongoing. The fumigation is going on. We began the first phase of the exercise a few days ago, but by Friday this week, it should be completed.”