Residents of Igbokoda in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State are still grappling with a shortage of safe drinking water weeks after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed into a nearby swamp, as military restrictions continue to disrupt fishing and other livelihoods.
The traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, disclosed this in an interview, saying the Federal Government had yet to commence the environmental cleanup of the affected area following the October 5 disaster.
Odidiomo said fishermen had been barred by personnel of the Nigerian Navy and the Air Force from accessing their fishing grounds, while residents involved in palm wine tapping and the production of local gin had also been forced to suspend their businesses.
He added that some affected residents had lost their business equipment and materials, with no clear timeline for when they would be allowed to return to the restricted areas.
The monarch said residents had resorted to buying water from neighbouring Okitipupa for drinking, cooking and other domestic needs, adding that the community remained worried about the possible health consequences of the incident.
He also expressed concern over the stench emanating from the crash site, alleging that human remains were still in the river.
He questioned the effectiveness of fumigation without a comprehensive cleanup of the affected environment.
Odidiomo urged the Federal Government to remove aircraft debris and aviation fuel from the area, provide water purifiers and compensate residents whose properties and business materials were affected.
He also called for psychological support for children and women, particularly those who might have been traumatised by exposure to human remains.
The aircraft crashed into a swamp near the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda on October 5, 2026, while travelling from Benin City to Lagos. All 25 people on board, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members, died in the incident.
