RismadarVoice Reporters
October 15, 2026
Concerns are mounting over possible environmental contamination and public health risks following the October 5 Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, which reportedly claimed 25 lives.
Residents and community leaders have called for urgent government intervention as search teams continue efforts to recover the victims and aircraft wreckage from the river.
The traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, raised concerns over an offensive odour around the crash site and suspected contamination of the river by aviation fuel.
He appealed to the Federal and Ondo State governments to accelerate recovery operations, assess the environmental impact and protect residents who depend on the river for domestic activities.
Other residents also reported persistent unpleasant odours, expressing concern about the possible consequences for their health and access to safe water.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, said the state government was working with federal authorities to assess the situation and determine appropriate environmental protection and clean-up measures.
He acknowledged that the recovery operation had faced difficulties and assured residents that the authorities were examining potential health and environmental risks.
Although residents have expressed fears of disease outbreaks, no epidemic linked to the crash has been confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force said it had intensified search and recovery operations and established a 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, had directed that recovery efforts and investigations be pursued simultaneously.
According to the Air Force, the investigation will examine operational procedures, aircraft maintenance, technical conditions, environmental factors and other circumstances that may have contributed to the crash.
Representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau are also participating in the investigative process.
The Air Force said the findings would guide recommendations aimed at strengthening aviation safety and preventing similar incidents.
It also announced arrangements to provide information and support to the families of the victims.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY DEMANDS INVESTIGATION
The National Assembly has called for greater scrutiny of military aviation safety following the incident.
The Senate urged a comprehensive audit of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft fleet, including maintenance procedures, operational readiness and funding.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West.
Lawmakers expressed concern about recurring military aviation accidents and called for a transparent investigation into the immediate and underlying causes of the latest crash.
The Senate also directed its relevant committees to examine aircraft maintenance allocations and determine whether funding or operational deficiencies had contributed to safety challenges.
Similarly, the House of Representatives called for an independent investigation to complement the Air Force’s internal inquiry.
The House urged the Federal Government to ensure adequate funding for aircraft maintenance, spare parts and other essential operational requirements.
It also requested an assessment of military aircraft serviceability and called for appropriate welfare support and compensation for the families of the deceased.
₦37.1BN MAINTENANCE ALLOCATIONS UNDER SCRUTINY
Budget figures cited in reports on the incident indicate that approximately ₦37.1 billion was allocated or proposed for Nigerian Air Force aircraft maintenance across selected budget documents between 2022 and 2026.
However, the figures include allocations from different stages of the budget process, including executive proposals and appropriation bills.
They therefore do not establish how much funding was ultimately approved, released or spent.
Lawmakers have requested further examination of maintenance expenditure to establish whether available resources were sufficient and appropriately deployed.
A relative of one of the deceased personnel also alleged that the aircraft had experienced technical difficulties before the crash.
The allegation remains unverified, and investigators have not publicly established whether a mechanical fault contributed to the incident.
Aviation specialists have called for stronger independent oversight, closer cooperation between military and civilian aviation authorities and more comprehensive aircraft maintenance audits.
They argued that investigations should examine not only the immediate circumstances of the crash but also possible institutional weaknesses affecting operational safety.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier ordered an investigation into the tragedy, while the Federal Government declared three days of national mourning for the victims.
As recovery and investigative operations continue, affected families and residents are awaiting answers about the crash, the recovery of the victims and measures to address possible environmental contamination.
