UPDATE: Ondo orders emergency fumigation of river at NAF crash site

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Government has ordered emergency fumigation of the Igbokoda River and plans to provide alternative drinking water to residents amid concerns about possible health risks following last week’s Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had directed the Ministries of Environment and Health to begin extensive fumigation of the waterway after residents complained of a strong stench from the river.

The river serves as a major source of livelihood for residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities, raising concerns about the potential impact of the incident on public health and local economic activities.

According to the statement, the fumigation exercise is intended to prevent possible disease outbreaks and address health concerns arising from the reported pollution of the waterway.

Ajanaku said Aiyedatiwa had also directed the Ilaje Local Government to deploy water tankers to supply potable water to residents if assessments confirmed that the river was severely polluted and unsafe for use.

He added that the alternative water supply would be maintained until a lasting solution to the pollution problem was implemented, to ensure residents had access to safe drinking water.

The statement further said the Ministries of Health and Environment had been instructed to distribute nose masks and other essential health kits to residents to reduce their exposure to potential health hazards.

Aiyedatiwa also pledged continued support for the Nigerian Air Force’s evacuation operations and assured residents that the state government would prioritise their safety and welfare amid concerns over the incident.