To fast-track the ongoing aircraft recovery mission in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, the Ondo State Government has stepped up its backing by supplying essential technical expertise, skilled personnel, and heavy machinery.
The Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa on Ecological Control and Technical Affairs, Ebijimi Elisha, commended the governor for his swift intervention and commitment to ensuring the smooth conduct of the operation while addressing environmental concerns raised by the host community.
The commendation followed a visit by the Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal M.C. Ekwueme, to Igbokoda on the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
The visit came after an incident that claimed the lives of Nigerian Air Force personnel in the area and concerns expressed by the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Odidiomo Afolabi Ilarada, over the potential impact of the recovery exercise on local water sources and the surrounding environment.
In response, Governor Ayedatiwa directed Ebijimi to provide immediate technical assistance and coordinate the necessary support for the operation.
Speaking on the intervention, the governor’s aide said the state government’s contribution had significantly supported the recovery efforts, particularly given the difficult terrain and challenging operational conditions.
He explained that his team had been working closely with Nigerian Air Force personnel and other relevant stakeholders, deploying heavy machinery and constructing extension bridges to improve access to the recovery site.
Ebijimi added that cooperation among the teams had continued to yield positive results, while engagements with traditional authorities and residents had helped maintain cordial relations between the community and personnel involved in the exercise.
During the visit, Air Vice Marshal Ekwueme met with community leaders and residents to address concerns about possible environmental pollution and the safety of local water sources.
The Air Force commander acknowledged the concerns and reaffirmed the service’s commitment to responsible action and sustained engagement with the host community. He also appreciated residents for their patience and cooperation during the challenging period.
Ekwueme subsequently visited the recovery site, where he interacted with personnel and assessed progress made despite the difficult terrain and operational challenges.
Commending the Nigerian Air Force leadership for engaging with the community, Ebijimi praised the Chief of the Air Staff and the Air Officer Commanding for their commitment to balancing recovery efforts with residents’ concerns.
He reiterated that the Ondo State Government remained committed to providing the necessary technical and logistical support while ensuring that the interests of the people of Igbokoda were considered throughout the operation.
The governor’s aide emphasised that effective collaboration among government agencies, security institutions, traditional rulers and host communities was essential to addressing the environmental and logistical challenges associated with the exercise.
He noted that his familiarity with the area had helped facilitate communication, coordination and community participation, describing the relationship between the state government, the Olu of Igbokoda and residents as cordial.
Ebijimi expressed gratitude to Governor Ayedatiwa for the confidence reposed in him and for providing the resources needed to support the operation. He also appreciated the Nigerian Air Force and the people of Igbokoda for their cooperation.
He pledged to sustain his support for the state government’s efforts to promote environmental responsibility, strengthen community relations and ensure the availability of technical and logistical assistance as the recovery exercise progresses.
What You Should Know
The Ondo State Government is actively assisting the Nigerian Air Force in recovering a crashed aircraft in the Igbokoda community. While the operation aims to clear the site and address an incident that tragically claimed military lives, it initially raised environmental concerns from local residents and traditional rulers regarding water safety and pollution. To resolve this, state officials and military leadership engaged directly with the community to ensure the work is done responsibly.
- Positive Impact: The deployment of state technical expertise and heavy machinery speeds up the difficult recovery process while fostering transparency and cooperation between security forces and the local community.
- Potential Concerns: The challenging swampy terrain poses environmental and logistical hurdles, requiring careful monitoring to prevent pollution of local water sources used by residents.
