Foul Odour, Fishing Losses Trouble Ondo Community 17 Days After NAF Crash

News in Brief:

— Ondo State residents say a persistent foul odour and suspected water pollution are affecting their health and fishing activities 17 days after the military aircraft crash.

— The state government says fumigation has begun, while environmental and water-quality tests are expected to determine whether the crash caused contamination.

Residents of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State are calling for urgent action over a persistent foul odour and suspected water pollution, 17 days after a military aircraft crashed in the riverine community.

They say the situation is affecting their health and fishing activities, and urge the Federal and state governments to speed up the cleanup of the crash site. The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft reportedly crashed in the community, killing at least 25 people. Recovery teams have since been working to retrieve victims’ remains and the aircraft wreckage.

Residents Complain of Delayed Cleanup

Residents say the smell has persisted despite earlier assurances that the affected area would be fumigated. A fisherman, Festus Ikumola, said military and police personnel remained at the site, restricting civilian access, while residents waited for the promised intervention. He also said fishing activities had declined, with fewer fish being caught since the incident.

Another resident, Biodun, said the odour was still noticeable and urged authorities to act before the situation worsened.

Government Says Fumigation Has Started

Commissioner for Environment Tobi Loco said authorities planned to conduct air and water quality tests to establish the extent of any contamination before further decontamination.

However, Commissioner for Information Idowu Ajanaku said the government had already commenced fumigation. He said the first phase began a few days ago and was expected to be completed by Friday.

The conflicting accounts have left residents seeking clearer information about the cleanup and the safety of the surrounding environment. For now, the actual extent of contamination remains uncertain and can only be established through the environmental assessments and water-quality tests.