Horror in Ondo: Decaying NAF Crash Victims Spark Disease Fear, Contaminate Drinking Water

Residents of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have raised serious health concerns following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft on October 5, 2023. The aircraft, on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos, crashed into a swamp near the NAF Forward Operating Base, claiming the lives of all 25 persons on board, including 20 passengers and five crew members. More than a week after the incident, a foul odour emanating from the crash site has permeated the community, sparking fears of environmental pollution and a potential public-health crisis.

The traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, described the stench as "extremely offensive and unbearable," attributing it to decomposing human remains believed to be scattered and floating in the river. He lamented that "some inner parts of the human body" were visible, and that unrecovered bodies had decomposed, affecting "everything." Residents, including Omogbemi Damilola and Oroyo Levy, corroborated these claims, stating the unpleasant odour had persisted since the crash, spreading into homes and causing distress. Damilola mentioned perceiving the smell for at least four days, even inside her upstairs home. Levy highlighted the situation as a public-health concern, particularly for children and vulnerable residents, urging swift government action to contain the odour and prevent further health risks.

Beyond the unbearable stench, concerns have escalated over potential environmental contamination. Oba Odidiomo also reported suspected fuel spillage, with traces of fuel visible in the river some distance from the crash site. He warned that contamination could result from decomposing remains, aircraft oil, or other pollutants, and expressed worries that the river, used by residents for various domestic and economic activities, including cooking and bathing, had become unsafe. The monarch also alleged that fish were dying in the water and stated that the river was connected to the community’s drinking-water supply, explaining that water from the area is pumped to a treatment facility at Aboto, about seven kilometres away. He called for urgent environmental remediation and clean-up.

In response to the growing public outcry, the Ondo State Government has initiated measures to address the crisis. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa directed the Ministries of Environment and Health to commence extensive fumigation of the affected river to prevent disease outbreaks. He also ordered the Ilaje Local Government to arrange water tankers for continuous distribution of potable water if the river is confirmed to be severely polluted and unsuitable for use, and instructed the provision of nose masks and other essential health kits to residents. Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, confirmed the state government's collaboration with the Federal Government to assess the environmental impact and determine appropriate decontamination measures. While acknowledging the possibility of pollution and not dismissing concerns, Loko disputed claims that the crash had deprived residents of access to drinking water, explaining that boreholes were available in the community and that the crash site was about 500 metres from the main residential area, asserting that the river around the crash site was not their primary source of drinking water.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has constituted a 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board, headed by Air Vice Marshal Francis Ankeli, to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Director of Public Relations, stated that the board is mandated to examine operational, technical, environmental, human, and organisational factors. Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed sustained search and recovery efforts. Air Vice Marshal Ebimobo Ebiowe is leading the Investigation and Recovery Team coordinating the wider response. Multi-agency teams, including specialist divers from the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), are continuing underwater search and recovery operations, employing hydrographic surveys, satellite-based imagery, mud excavation, and water pumping to access the site. Additional aircraft components have been recovered, with efforts ongoing to locate and retrieve materials for documentation and preservation.

The incident has also prompted legislative action. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have called for a comprehensive audit of the serviceability and airworthiness of all NAF aircraft across the military and presidential fleets. The Senate, following a motion by Osita Ngwu, further mandated its committees on Air Force and Aviation to visit the crash site, engage with NAF authorities, and urged the NAF leadership to submit budgetary records for aircraft maintenance to determine if funding was sufficient and properly utilised. The House of Representatives, through a motion by Donald Ojogo, urged the Federal Government to ensure timely release of approved funds for aircraft maintenance, spare parts, and other critical operational requirements, warning against compromises to aviation safety due to funding constraints. They also urged the Ministry of Defence to conduct an immediate audit of military aircraft and equipment.