Ondo Orders Igbokoda River Fumigation After NAF Aircraft Crash
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the fumigation of Igbokoda River to prevent a possible disease outbreak following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft in the area.
The directive comes as concerns grow over the river, which serves as a major source of livelihood for residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities. The state government is taking precautionary measures to protect public health while recovery operations continue.
Aiyedatiwa also directed the Ilaje Local Government authorities to provide water tankers for the continuous distribution of potable water if the river is found to be severely polluted and unsafe for use. According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the arrangement will remain in place until a lasting solution to the pollution is implemented.
The governor further instructed relevant ministries to distribute nose masks and other essential health kits to residents to protect them from potential health hazards. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing evacuation efforts and safeguarding the welfare of people in the affected community.
The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, crashed on October 5, 2026. The aircraft was carrying 25 people, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, when the incident occurred.
The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when the crash happened. Although search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately, the passengers and crew had yet to be located, according to the report.
On Tuesday, the Nigerian Air Force established a 12-member board to investigate the incident and determine its circumstances and causes. The board is also expected to recommend measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Air Vice Marshal FO Ankeli will lead the investigation board, while Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, will coordinate the wider response. The board includes specialists in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance and medical services, alongside representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau. The investigation will examine operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors that may have contributed to the crash.