Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the fumigation of the Igbokoda River and the distribution of nose masks and other health kits after residents complained about a foul smell from the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash site.
The governor directed the ministries of environment and health to carry out the intervention as search and recovery operations continue in the community in Ilaje Local Government Area.
The directives were announced in a statement on Wednesday, October 14, signed by Commissioner for Information and Orientation Idowu Ajanaku. The government said the measures were intended to protect residents against possible health hazards.
Aiyedatiwa also directed the local government to arrange water tankers to supply potable water if assessments establish that the river is severely polluted and unsuitable for use. The statement said that arrangement would remain in place pending a lasting response to any pollution.
The river is a source of livelihood for Igbokoda and neighbouring communities, the government said. It also pledged continued support for the Air Force’s evacuation efforts.
The ATR-42 aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area on October 5 while travelling from Benin City to Lagos. Swampy terrain and the aircraft’s submersion have complicated recovery operations; the state deployed amphibious machines to help teams reach the site.
Igbokoda’s traditional ruler, Afolabi Odidiomo, had called for faster recovery work and an alternative drinking-water supply, while the state disputed his account of the impact on access to drinking water. NaijaTrend reported those concerns and the government’s response here.
Sources: Punch, Premium Times, Channels Television
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