morganable news/security& justice
Despite the deployment of specialised search equipment, including sonar buoys and amphibious buggies, recovery teams have yet to retrieve the aircraft wreckage or the bodies of the victims.
KaNo —
Nine days after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, the wreckage and remains of the 25 victims have yet to be recovered, raising concerns over a possible public health crisis in the community.
Residents have complained of an increasingly offensive odour reportedly emanating from the crash site, while fears are mounting over possible contamination of the river by decomposing human remains and aviation fuel.
The development has prompted renewed appeals to the Federal and Ondo State governments to accelerate recovery operations, evacuate the victims’ remains and take urgent measures to prevent environmental and health hazards.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed on October 5, 2026, with 25 persons reportedly losing their lives.
Despite the deployment of specialised search equipment, including sonar buoys and amphibious buggies, recovery teams have yet to retrieve the aircraft wreckage or the bodies of the victims.
The monarch of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, expressed concern over the situation, warning that the prolonged presence of the victims’ remains in the river was creating serious discomfort for residents.
Odidiomo said the offensive smell had continued to worsen, while suspected aviation fuel contamination had raised concerns about the safety of water used by members of the community.
“The odour is extremely offensive. So many parts of the human body are floating around in the river. Some of the bodies have not been recovered. They have decomposed, and it is affecting everything,” the monarch said.
He explained that the river served as an important source of water for domestic activities, including cooking, adding that residents were increasingly worried about the possible health implications of the suspected contamination.
According to him, traces of aviation fuel could also be observed on the water some distance from the crash location, further heightening fears of environmental pollution.
The traditional ruler appealed to the authorities to intensify the search and recovery exercise, retrieve the aircraft debris and ensure that appropriate environmental remediation measures were implemented.
He maintained that the continued delay in recovering the victims’ remains was worsening the distress experienced by residents and families affected by the tragedy.
Responding to the concerns, the Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, said the state government was collaborating with federal authorities to assess the environmental implications of the incident.
Loko disclosed that the government dispatched a delegation to the affected community shortly after the crash to evaluate the situation and identify possible threats to public health.
He explained that residents and other responders had also participated in the ongoing recovery efforts, although the operation had yet to produce the expected results.
“Despite the number of days the recovery effort has been ongoing, no recovery has been made. None of the corpses has been recovered,” the commissioner said.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by residents over suspected pollution, explaining that the government was conducting an assessment to determine the extent of possible contamination.
According to him, the findings would guide decisions on appropriate decontamination measures and other interventions necessary to protect the affected population.
A community leader, Segun Omogbemi, during an interview with Punch News described the incident as tragic, lamenting that the worsening odour had made life increasingly uncomfortable for residents.
“What happened in Igbokoda is a very sad experience. Since Sunday, we have perceived this odour, very offensive. In fact, it is getting worse; we are thinking the odour is from the crash site,” he said.
Omogbemi urged the authorities to prioritise the recovery of the victims’ remains and address the environmental concerns before the situation deteriorated further.
Similarly, a resident, Veronica Molehin, said households near the crash site had continued to experience the offensive smell for several days.
“My house is not too far from the scene of the crash; we perceive the odour here too. We have been on it since Friday, and we thought the government would have evacuated the remains of the victims, but they are still on it,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has announced intensified search and recovery operations, alongside the constitution of a 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Ejodame said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, had directed that recovery operations should continue while a comprehensive investigation was conducted into the incident.
According to the statement, Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe is leading the Investigation and Recovery Team, while Air Vice Marshal F.O. Ankeli heads the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board.
The board comprises specialists in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance and medical services.
Representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau are also participating in the investigation.
The Air Force explained that the panel would examine operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors that might have contributed to the accident.
It added that investigators would preserve relevant evidence, establish the immediate and underlying causes of the crash and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
The board will also evaluate the emergency response, including search and rescue activities, medical assistance, recovery operations and management of the crash site.
The NAF cautioned against speculation over the cause of the accident, stressing that conclusions should await the outcome of the investigation.
The military also announced the establishment of a dedicated helpline at its headquarters through the Directorate of Veterans Affairs to provide information and clarification to the victims’ next of kin.
It said arrangements were underway to engage affected families and provide necessary support during their period of mourning.
“The NAF recognises the public’s legitimate interest in the ongoing process and remains committed to providing appropriate updates as verified information becomes available,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly has demanded greater accountability over the incident.
The Senate called for a comprehensive audit of the Nigerian Air Force’s aircraft fleet and maintenance funding, while the House of Representatives demanded an independent investigation into the crash.
The Air Force reiterated its condolences to the bereaved families, assuring Nigerians that recovery efforts and investigations remained a priority as residents awaited urgent intervention to address the worsening environmental concerns.
