The traditional ruler of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, has raised concerns over possible water pollution following the fatal Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash that occurred in the community on October 5, 2026.
The monarch warned that decomposing human remains and suspected aviation fuel leakage at the crash site could pose environmental and public health risks to residents who depend on the surrounding river for their daily water needs.
He has called on the Federal Government and the Ondo State Government to accelerate recovery operations, clean up the affected waterway and provide residents with an alternative source of safe drinking water.
The appeal comes more than a week after the military aircraft went down in a swampy area of Igbokoda, leaving recovery teams struggling to retrieve the remaining wreckage and victims' remains because of the difficult terrain.
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Monarch Raises Concerns Over Contaminated Water
Speaking to Premium Times, Oba Odidiomo said the community was facing increasingly difficult conditions because of the offensive smell around the crash site and fears that the river had been polluted.
He explained that the affected waterway was connected to a water supply system that pumps water to a treatment facility in Aboto, approximately seven kilometres away, before it is supplied for domestic use.
The monarch expressed concern that suspected contamination could affect people who rely on the water for drinking, cooking and other household activities.
He also said the situation had become frightening for children who usually swim in the river after school, while residents had reported dead fish in the surrounding water.
According to the monarch, the government must consider the welfare of residents alongside efforts to recover the remains of those who died in the crash.
He urged the authorities to take immediate steps to prevent the situation from developing into a wider public health emergency.
Calls for Urgent Environmental Clean-Up
Oba Odidiomo appealed for an environmental clean-up and remediation programme to address the suspected pollution.
He said the authorities should take steps to contain the affected area and prevent potential contaminants from spreading through the waterway.
The monarch also called for the provision of alternative clean water while recovery and environmental assessment work continues.
Beyond the water pollution concerns, he said the crash had damaged fish and economic trees that contribute to the livelihoods of people in the coastal community.
Residents have also called on the authorities to speed up the recovery of the victims' remains and aircraft debris.
However, the extent of any contamination has not been independently established in the reports reviewed. An environmental assessment would be needed to determine the nature and scale of the suspected pollution and what action is required to protect residents.
Recovery Operations Continue at Crash Site
The NAF aircraft crashed into a swamp in Igbokoda on October 5. The Nigerian Air Force said 25 people were on board, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members, and no survivors were reported.
Recovery operations have been challenging because the aircraft and debris are submerged in muddy terrain that is difficult for rescuers to access.
Teams involving military personnel and other responders have continued working at the site. Premium Times reported that operators had constructed embankments to limit water inflow and make it easier to reach the remaining wreckage.
The search has also focused on locating the aircraft's black box, which could provide important evidence for investigators seeking to establish what happened before the crash.
Government Faces Pressure to Address Environmental Concerns
The growing concerns in Igbokoda have added to pressure on the authorities to ensure that the recovery operation addresses both the tragedy and its potential impact on the surrounding environment.
According to reports, Ondo State Commissioner for Environment Tob Loko said the state government was working with the Federal Government to address the situation.
The Nigerian Air Force has also announced an investigation into the crash, while lawmakers have called for a broader review of military aircraft maintenance and aviation safety.
The Senate has urged a comprehensive audit of the Air Force's aircraft fleet and maintenance funding. The House of Representatives has also called for an independent investigation into the incident.
Investigators are expected to establish the circumstances and causes of the crash. Until their findings are available, the cause of the accident remains unconfirmed.
Residents Await Clean Water and Lasting Relief
For residents of Igbokoda, the immediate concern extends beyond the loss of lives to the safety of the waterway and the community's ability to continue using its natural resources.
The monarch's appeal highlights the need for a coordinated response that combines recovery efforts with water-quality testing, environmental assessment and access to safe alternative water supplies.
Authorities will need to determine whether the water has been contaminated and identify any necessary clean-up measures before residents can be assured that the affected source is safe for domestic use.
As recovery operations continue, the community is calling for urgent intervention to protect public health, restore the environment and support families and residents affected by the disaster.