Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered the fumigation of the Igbokoda River following complaints by residents about a strong stench and concerns over possible pollution after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed in the area.
The governor also directed the state Ministries of Environment and Health to intensify monitoring of the affected area and provide nose masks and other essential health kits to residents as precautionary measures against potential health hazards.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said Aiyedatiwa further directed the Ilaje Local Government Council to arrange water tankers for the continuous supply of potable water to residents if tests confirm that the river has been severely polluted and is unsafe for use. 
The arrangement, according to the statement, will remain in place pending a lasting solution to the pollution concerns.
The directive followed complaints from residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities over the offensive odour emanating from the river, which is an important source of livelihood and water-related activities for many residents.
The governor also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force in its ongoing search-and-recovery efforts and ensuring the safety and welfare of residents in the affected communities.
Background
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed on October 5, 2026, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while reportedly travelling from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.
The aircraft was carrying 25 people, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. Search-and-recovery operations were activated following the crash, but the occupants have yet to be recovered, according to the latest information provided by the Air Force.
The crash has also raised environmental and public-health concerns among residents, particularly over the condition of the river and the strong odour reported around the crash site.
The Nigerian Air Force has constituted a 12-member investigation board to determine the circumstances and causes of the accident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
Air Vice Marshal F.O. Ankeli is heading the investigation board, while Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe, who leads the Investigation and Recovery Team, is coordinating the broader search-and-recovery operation.
The board comprises experts in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering and maintenance, medical services and other relevant technical fields. Representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau are also members.
The Air Force said the investigation would examine operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors that may have contributed to the crash.
