Aiyedatiwa Directs Water Tanker Supply, Distribution of Nose Masks as Search for 25 Passengers and Crew Continues
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has directed the state Ministries of Environment and Health to begin extensive fumigation of the river where a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed, following complaints from residents of Igbokoda about a strong stench emanating from the water.
The directive is aimed at preventing a possible outbreak of diseases, as the river serves as a major source of livelihood for residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities.
The governor also directed the Ilaje Local Government authorities to arrange water tankers for the continuous distribution of potable water if assessments establish that the river is severely polluted and unsafe for use.
According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the arrangement will remain in place pending a lasting intervention to address the pollution.
Aiyedatiwa further directed the relevant ministries to provide nose masks and other essential health kits to residents to protect them from potential health hazards.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing search and recovery operations while ensuring the safety and welfare of residents in the affected community.
The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, crashed on October 5, 2026, while carrying 25 people, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when the accident occurred.
Although relevant authorities immediately activated search-and-rescue procedures, the passengers and crew had yet to be located as of the latest update in the report.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday constituted a 12-member board to investigate the crash and determine its circumstances and causes, as well as recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, ordered sustained search and recovery operations alongside a comprehensive investigation into the accident.
Air Vice Marshal F.O. Ankeli will head the investigation board, while Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe, head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, will coordinate the wider response.
The board comprises specialists in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance, medical services and other technical fields. Representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau are also part of the panel to provide civilian aviation expertise.
The Air Force said the investigation would examine operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors that may have contributed to the crash.