Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has directed the state ministries of Environment and Health to commence extensive fumigation of the Igbokoda River following residents’ complaints about a strong stench emanating from the waterway where a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crashed.
The directive is aimed at preventing a possible outbreak of diseases in Igbokoda and neighbouring communities, where the river serves as an important source of livelihood.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the governor also directed the Ilaje Local Government Council to arrange water tankers for the continuous distribution of potable water if assessments establish that the river is severely polluted and unsuitable for use.
The arrangement is expected to remain in place pending a lasting intervention to address the pollution.
Aiyedatiwa further instructed the ministries to provide nose masks and other essential health kits to residents to protect them from potential health hazards.
The governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing search and recovery operations while ensuring the welfare and safety of residents in the affected community.
NAF Continues Search and Crash Investigation
The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, crashed on October 5, 2026, while reportedly travelling on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.
The aircraft was carrying 25 people, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. As reported in the source statement, search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately, but the passengers and crew had yet to be located at the time of the report.
On Tuesday, the Nigerian Air Force established a 12-member board to investigate the crash and determine its circumstances and causes, as well as 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.
Air Vice Marshal FO Ankeli will lead the investigation board, while Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, will coordinate the wider response.
The board includes specialists in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance, medical services and other technical fields.
Representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau are also part of the board to provide civilian aviation expertise.
According to the NAF, the investigation will examine operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors that may have contributed to the crash.
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