Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the immediate fumigation of the river at Igbokoda following complaints from local residents regarding an intense stench emanating from the waterway where a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed last week.
The governor ordered the state Ministries of Environment and Health to commence extensive fumigation to prevent a possible outbreak of diseases in the affected community.
The river serves as a major source of livelihood for residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities.
A statement from the state government said Aiyedatiwa had also directed the Ilaje Local Government Area to arrange water tankers for the continuous supply of potable water if assessments establish that the river is severely polluted and unsafe for use.
The arrangement will remain in place pending a lasting solution to the pollution.
The governor further directed the Ministries of Health and Environment to distribute nose masks and other essential health kits to residents to protect them from potential health hazards.
Aiyedatiwa reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force in its ongoing recovery operations at the crash site.
He also assured residents of the government’s commitment to safeguarding their health, safety and welfare as recovery efforts continue.
The measures follow concerns over the environmental and public health implications of the aircraft crash, particularly for communities that depend on the river for their livelihoods.
What You Should Know
Following the recent military aircraft crash into the waterway at Igbokoda, Ondo State, residents began experiencing a pungent stench that raised serious public health concerns, as the river serves as their primary source of livelihood and daily water use.
- Positive Impact: The swift intervention by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa—including plans for water tankers, fumigation, and free health kits like nose masks—aims to prevent waterborne disease outbreaks and safeguard community health.
- Potential Concerns: Severe pollution of the main water source poses immediate health risks and economic hardship for fishermen and traders who depend entirely on the river until lasting safety measures are implemented.
