NAF Assures Igbokoda Residents of Action on Environmental Concerns

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has assured residents of Igbokoda in Ondo State that their concerns about an offensive odour and possible environmental effects following the recent military aircraft crash are being taken seriously.

The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, gave the assurance on Thursday, saying the service recognised the discomfort, anxiety and uncertainty experienced by residents following the incident.

He said search and recovery operations were still ongoing, with the Air Force working alongside relevant partner agencies to ensure the safe and orderly recovery of the wreckage.

Ejodame added that the NAF would engage environmental and public health authorities after the recovery exercise to assess the situation and coordinate appropriate responses to any identified environmental concerns.

He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to protecting the wellbeing of the affected community and maintaining constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders.

The assurance follows complaints by residents of Igbokoda about a strong stench around the site where the aircraft crashed into a swamp on October 5, 2026.

The incident involved an ATR-42 aircraft, identified as NAF 931, which was on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos. All 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the crash.

The aircraft submerged in the swampy terrain, complicating efforts to recover the wreckage and victims’ remains.

Residents have expressed concerns about possible contamination of the surrounding water and its implications for public health and livelihoods, as the river and nearby waterways are important to the community.

The Ondo State Government has also announced precautionary measures in response to the concerns, including plans for environmental assessment, fumigation and the provision of nose masks and other health supplies. Authorities have also made arrangements for alternative drinking water if assessments establish that the affected water source is unsafe.

The NAF said its engagement with the relevant agencies would help determine the appropriate measures required to address any environmental impact after recovery operations are completed.

The service reiterated its commitment to public safety and the welfare of residents as work continues at the crash site.