The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has assured residents of Igbokoda in Ondo State that it will work closely with relevant government authorities to address concerns raised over a strong odour and possible environmental risks following the crash of its aircraft in the community.
The assurance was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who said the Force is aware of the situation and is taking steps to address it.
According to Air Commodore Ejodame, the Nigerian Air Force recognises the anxiety, discomfort and fears being experienced by residents of Igbokoda and its environs since the incident occurred, and is taking their complaints very seriously.
The statement comes against the backdrop of complaints by residents of Igbokoda, which is the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, about a foul and irritating smell emanating from the river where the aircraft crashed.
Residents had raised alarm that since the aircraft crashed into the river on October 5, a strange and offensive odour has been coming from the water, causing discomfort and fears of possible health and environmental hazards.
Some members of the community were said to have expressed worry that chemicals, fuel or other substances from the wreckage of the aircraft may have contaminated the river, which is a major source of water and livelihood for people in the area.
Responding to the concerns, the Nigerian Air Force said it understands the plight of the people and is committed to ensuring that the situation is properly handled in a manner that protects the health and safety of residents.
Air Commodore Ejodame explained that search and recovery operations at the crash site are still ongoing, with NAF personnel working round the clock to ensure the safe retrieval of the wreckage from the river.
He disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force is not working alone, but is carrying out the recovery operation in collaboration with partner agencies, including emergency response teams and other relevant stakeholders.
According to him, the joint team is working carefully and professionally to recover the aircraft wreckage without causing further damage or posing additional risks to the environment and the community.
The NAF spokesman assured that the Force is deploying all necessary expertise and equipment to ensure that the recovery operation is completed as quickly and safely as possible.
He noted that the Nigerian Air Force is mindful of the fact that the river is important to the livelihood of the people of Igbokoda, many of whom are fishermen and rely on the water for their daily activities.
Ejodame said the NAF appreciates the patience, understanding and cooperation shown by the traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of Igbokoda since the incident occurred.
He added that the Air Force has been engaging with community leaders to keep them informed of progress being made in the recovery efforts and to allay their fears.
The statement further disclosed that after the completion of the recovery operation, the Nigerian Air Force will engage relevant environmental and public health authorities to carry out a thorough assessment of the area.
According to the NAF, the assessment will help to determine the true situation on ground and establish whether there is any confirmed environmental contamination or health risk arising from the crash.
The Force said that based on the findings of the assessment, appropriate measures will be taken in conjunction with the relevant agencies to address any confirmed environmental concerns.
It stressed that the safety, health and well-being of residents of Igbokoda remains a top priority for the Nigerian Air Force and will not be compromised.
The NAF also assured that it will continue to keep the public informed about developments regarding the recovery operation and subsequent actions to be taken to address the concerns raised by residents.
It called on residents of Igbokoda to remain calm and to continue to cooperate with security and recovery teams working at the crash site.
The Force also advised residents to avoid the immediate crash area for safety reasons and to report any unusual observations to the appropriate authorities or community leaders.
The crash, which occurred on October 5, had generated widespread concern in Ondo State, with many residents calling on the authorities to ensure a swift recovery of the aircraft and proper clean-up of the river.
The Ilaje area, where Igbokoda is located, is a riverine community where water from the river is used for fishing, transportation and other domestic activities, making any form of pollution a serious concern.
The Nigerian Air Force reiterated its commitment to professionalism, transparency and accountability in handling the aftermath of the unfortunate incident.
It maintained that it will not abandon the community but will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to restore normalcy and guarantee the safety of the environment after the recovery.
Meanwhile, residents of Igbokoda have expressed hope that the assurance given by the Air Force will be followed by concrete action to address the foul smell and to ensure that the river is safe for use again.
Community leaders in the area have also called on the Federal and Ondo State Governments, as well as relevant environmental agencies, to support the NAF in ensuring that a comprehensive clean-up and health assessment is carried out in the community.
