Fears of a public health and environmental crisis are mounting in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, nine days after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crashed into a swampy area, with the remains of the 25 victims yet to be recovered.
Residents have complained of an increasingly offensive odour around the crash site, raising concerns about the possible effects of decomposing human remains and aviation fuel contamination on the community.
The situation has intensified calls for the Federal and Ondo State governments to accelerate recovery operations, assess the environmental impact and provide urgent intervention for residents affected by the incident.
The monarch of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, appealed to the authorities to expedite the recovery of the victims’ remains and the aircraft wreckage.
He said the stench had become unbearable and alleged that the suspected pollution was affecting residents’ access to clean water for domestic use, including cooking.
The traditional ruler also raised concerns over traces of aviation fuel reportedly seen on the river, warning of possible environmental damage.
He urged the government to begin an urgent cleanup while ensuring that search teams recovered the remains of the deceased and the aircraft debris.
Ondo Government Assesses Environmental Risks
The Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, said the state government was working with the Federal Government to address the situation.
Loko explained that a delegation had been sent to the community shortly after the crash to assess its environmental impact and support the ongoing recovery efforts.
He acknowledged concerns about possible contamination, adding that the government was evaluating the potential public health consequences to determine appropriate decontamination measures.
The commissioner said the assessment would help establish the extent of the pollution and guide the response.
Community leaders and residents have continued to call for faster action, expressing concern that the prolonged recovery operation could worsen the situation.
NAF Intensifies Search, Sets Up Investigation Board
The Nigerian Air Force said it had intensified search-and-recovery operations and established a 12-member board to investigate the October 5 crash.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, directed sustained recovery efforts alongside a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The board, headed by Air Vice Marshal F.O. Ankeli, comprises specialists in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, engineering, maintenance and medical services. Representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau are also involved.
The investigation is expected to examine the operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors surrounding the crash, as well as the emergency response and recovery process.
The Air Force cautioned against drawing conclusions about the cause of the accident before the investigation is completed.
It also announced arrangements to provide information and support to the victims’ families as recovery and investigative operations continue.
Senate Demands Audit of Aircraft, Maintenance Funding
Meanwhile, the Senate has called for a comprehensive audit of the Nigerian Air Force’s aircraft fleet and maintenance funding following the tragedy.
The lawmakers directed relevant committees to scrutinise budgetary allocations for aircraft maintenance and determine whether funding gaps or other shortcomings contributed to recurring military aviation accidents.
The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West.
The Senate urged the Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of the crash and make their findings public.
It also directed its committees on Air Force and Aviation to visit the crash site, engage NAF officials and examine the serviceability and airworthiness of aircraft in the military and presidential fleets.
The lawmakers called on the Federal Government to prioritise aircraft maintenance and consider replacing ageing military aircraft.
The House of Representatives has similarly demanded an independent investigation into the crash, urging the government to ensure the timely release of funds for maintenance, spare parts and other essential operational requirements.
Questions Over Maintenance and Safety
The crash has renewed concerns about military aviation safety, aircraft maintenance and accountability.
An analysis of budget documents cited in the report showed that the NAF earmarked approximately N37.10bn for aircraft maintenance across five budget cycles between 2022 and 2026. However, the actual amounts released and spent could not be established from the available records.
Aviation experts have called for stronger oversight, better maintenance practices and closer collaboration between military and civilian aviation authorities to identify systemic weaknesses and prevent future accidents.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier ordered a full investigation and declared three days of national mourning for the victims.
For the people of Igbokoda, however, the immediate concerns remain the recovery of the victims’ remains, the removal of the wreckage and the assessment and cleanup of the potentially contaminated environment.