NAF pledges environmental cleanup after Ondo community raises concerns over crash victims’ bodies
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has pledged to work with environmental and public health authorities to address concerns over the possible environmental impact of the October 5 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The air force gave the assurance following complaints by residents over the alleged pollution of the community’s swamp by the decomposing bodies of victims of the crash.
The traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Afolabi Odidiomo, had raised the alarm over what he described as a potential health crisis, saying the swamp was connected to water sources used by the community.
In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, Odidiomo said decomposing human remains and the resulting stench had made parts of the swamp difficult to approach.
He also expressed concern about children who usually swim in the river after school, alleging that human remains were visible in the water and that fish were dying in the area.
Responding in a statement on Thursday, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, said the air force recognised the concerns and anxiety expressed by residents.
“The NAF recognises the discomfort, anxiety and uncertainty such circumstances may cause and assures the affected community that their concerns are being taken seriously,” the statement said.
The NAF aircraft, identified as 931, crashed into the Igbokoda swamps on October 5 while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
Ejodame said search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the incident, with relevant authorities working together to locate and account for everyone on board.
He added that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, had directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Ondo State Government subsequently deployed two specialised swamp buggies to support efforts to recover the aircraft wreckage.
According to the NAF spokesperson, no survivors had been found as of Wednesday, while search-and-recovery operations remained ongoing.
He said the air force was collaborating with relevant partner agencies to ensure the safe and orderly recovery of the wreckage.
Ejodame added that the NAF would engage appropriate environmental and public health authorities, alongside other relevant agencies, after the recovery operation to assess the situation and coordinate responses to any environmental concerns identified.
“The NAF remains concerned about the wellbeing of the affected community and is committed to constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure that appropriate measures are taken in the interest of public health, safety and environmental wellbeing,” he said.
