Ondo Orders Fumigation of Igbokoda River After Air Force Crash

By Kanu Samuel

The Ondo State Government has ordered the fumigation of the Igbokoda River and the distribution of health kits to residents following complaints about a strong stench emanating from the waterway where a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed last week.

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa directed the state Ministries of Environment and Health to begin extensive fumigation of the river as part of measures to prevent a possible outbreak of diseases.

The directive follows concerns raised by residents of Igbokoda over the unpleasant odour from the river, which serves as a major source of livelihood for the community and neighbouring settlements.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the government said the governor had also directed the Ilaje Local Government to arrange water tankers for the continuous supply of potable water to residents if the river was found to be severely polluted and unsafe for use.

According to the statement, the emergency water supply arrangement will remain in place pending a lasting intervention to address the pollution.

The governor also directed the Ministries of Health and Environment to distribute nose masks and other essential health kits to residents to protect them against potential health hazards.

The measures are intended to safeguard public health while concerns over the condition of the river are addressed.

Aiyedatiwa, according to the statement, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing the necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force in its ongoing evacuation efforts.

He also pledged continued attention to the welfare and safety of residents of the affected community.

The government did not provide details of the fumigation schedule or indicate whether tests had confirmed the extent of pollution in the river.

The planned intervention comes amid concerns over the potential impact of the crash site on a waterway that many residents depend on for their livelihoods.