More than a week after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crashed into a swamp in Igbokoda, Ondo State, residents are complaining about a terrible smell, possible water pollution and fears of disease outbreaks.
The ATR-42 aircraft crashed on October 5 while travelling from Benin City to Lagos, killing all 25 people on board, including five crew members and 20 passengers.
The Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, said decomposing bodies and traces of aviation fuel had contaminated the area. He added that body parts were still floating in the river, raising concerns about water safety.
“The odour is extremely offensive and unbearable. So many parts of human bodies are floating around in the river. Some of the bodies have not been recovered, they have decomposed and it is affecting everything,” the monarch said.
He urged the authorities to remove the remaining bodies and wreckage, clean the environment and provide safe drinking water.
Residents also expressed concern about the smell entering their homes. Omogbemi Damola said she had endured the unpleasant odour for at least four days.
Another resident, Oroyo Levy, warned that the situation could threaten public health, particularly among children. Residents called on emergency and environmental agencies to prevent possible waterborne diseases.
Responding, Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, said the state was working with the Federal Government on recovery efforts and assessing the environmental and health risks.
He confirmed that the area was contaminated but said no meaningful recovery had been achieved.
On drinking water concerns, Loko said the claim was not entirely correct because boreholes were available and the crash site was about 500 metres from most of the town.
