Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has directed the ministries of environment and health to begin extensive fumigation of the river in Igbokoda where a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed last week.
The directive followed complaints from residents about the strong stench coming from the river, and aims to prevent a possible outbreak of diseases, as the river is a major source of livelihood for residents of Igbokoda and nearby communities.
The governor also directed the authorities of 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 arrangement, according to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, is to remain in place pending a lasting intervention to address the pollution.
In addition, Governor Aiyedatiwa directed the ministries to provide nose masks and other essential health kits to residents to protect them from potential health hazards.
The governor restated the state government’s commitment to providing all necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force in its ongoing evacuation efforts, as well as ensuring the welfare and safety of residents of the affected community.
The NAF ATR-42 aircraft (NAF 931) crashed on October 5, 2026, with 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft was said to be on a routine mission from Benin City in Edo State to Lagos when the accident happened.
Although search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated by relevant authorities, the passengers and crew have yet to be located.
The Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday set up a 12-member board to investigate the crash.
The Service said the board would establish 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 into the accident.
Air Vice Marshal FO Ankeli will head the investigation board, while Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, will coordinate the wider response.
The board comprises specialists in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance, medical services and other technical fields.
It also has representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to provide civilian aviation expertise.
The NAF said the investigation would cover operational, technical, environmental, human, and organisational factors that may have contributed to the crash.
