RismadarVoice Reporters
October 30, 2026
The Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Environment to urgently address environmental concerns arising from the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The monarch’s appeal follows complaints from residents of Ilaje Local Government Area about persistent offensive odours, suspected water contamination and disruptions to fishing activities following the October 5 accident.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, crashed into swampy terrain near a naval facility while travelling from Benin City to Lagos.
All 25 people aboard the aircraft, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members, died in the incident.
In a statement attributed to his media aide, Sesan Forolagba, Akinruntan called for urgent federal intervention to protect residents and restore environmental conditions in the affected communities.
The monarch expressed concern that the aftermath of the crash had disrupted access to water and threatened fishing activities, a major source of livelihood for coastal residents.
He reportedly led traditional rulers and members of the Olugbo-in-Council to the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda to draw attention to the situation.
Residents had earlier complained that decomposing remains and possible aviation fuel leakage were affecting waterways connected to their communities.
The Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, also previously raised concerns about the potential environmental and public health consequences of the crash.
Affected communities subsequently petitioned President Tinubu, requesting independent environmental assessments, water-quality testing, recovery of remaining wreckage and appropriate assistance for residents whose livelihoods had been disrupted.
The Nigerian Air Force acknowledged the concerns and pledged to engage relevant environmental and public health authorities to assess potential contamination and coordinate remedial measures.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government said it had commenced efforts to sanitise the affected environment.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, maintained that fumigation activities were underway, although some residents had complained about delays in implementing the promised intervention.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had earlier directed relevant ministries to undertake environmental protection measures and arrange emergency water supplies if contamination rendered local sources unsafe.
Despite these assurances, the extent of any contamination has not been publicly established through independently available laboratory results.
The latest appeal underscores continuing concerns over public health, environmental restoration and the livelihoods of residents affected by the military aircraft accident.
